Mason City, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
27,050
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,804/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,240
0.9% year-over-year change

Mason City population

How many people live in Mason City

Mason City is home to 27,050 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Mason City locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
27,050
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
13,057
Female
51.7%
13,993
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,057 48.3% -1.5%
Female 13,993 51.7% 0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Mason City is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,580 16.9% 1.0%
15 to 24 3,174 11.7% 1.9%
25 to 44 6,425 23.8% -1.3%
45 to 64 6,656 24.6% -2.3%
Over 65 6,215 23% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Mason City, 96.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3.5% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,992 96.1% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 501 1.8% -8.7%
Non-citizens 557 2.1% 33.9%
Racial breakdown
White
86.3%
Black or African American
3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 23,333 86.3%
Black or African American 946 3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 71 0.3%
Asian 359 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 267 1%
Two or more races 1,835 6.8%
Other 239 0.9%

Households in Mason City

A peek inside Mason City households

Mason City has 12,698 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.6% are families, while the remaining 43.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,698
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,516
Family households
7,182
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,516 43.4% -1.0%
Family households 7,182 56.6% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Mason City

The housing landscape of Mason City

Mason City's housing consists of 14,240 units, with 75.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,240
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,790 75.8%
1 unit, attached 442 3.1%
2 units 186 1.3%
3 or 4 units 630 4.4%
5 to 9 units 585 4.1%
10 to 19 units 439 3.1%
20 to 49 units 413 2.9%
50 or more units 535 3.8%
Mobile home 220 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
96
88.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mason City

In Mason City, the median construction year is 1956. About 30% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,274 30% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,220 8.6% -9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,831 19.9% 17.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,071 7.5% -5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,633 11.5% -9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 963 6.8% 32.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 923 6.5% -7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 726 5.1% -2.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 503 3.5% 15.9%
Built in 2020 or later 96 0.7% 88.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mason City occupancy rates

Out of the 12,698 occupied housing units in Mason City, 65.6% are owner-occupied, while 34.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,698
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,375
Owner occupied
8,323
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,375 34.4% 6.6%
Owner occupied 8,323 65.6% -2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Mason City housing costs

Housing costs in Mason City come to a median of $901 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $882.

Median housing costs per month
$901/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Mason City
$882/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Mason City

Mason City education at a glance

About 42.7% of the population in Mason City went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 15% earned an associate degree and 12.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 288 1.3% -25.8%
High school diploma 9,189 42.7% -1.0%
College diploma 4,648 21.6% 1.5%
Associate degree 3,232 15% 2.7%
Bachelor's degree 2,697 12.5% -5.0%
Graduate degree 1,473 6.8% 2.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Mason City

How much people earn in Mason City

The average annual household income in Mason City was $81,218 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,804, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mason City
$81,218/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mason City
$64,804/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Mason City income by age

In Mason City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,308. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,545 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,114, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,705 in earnings. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,114 -28.9%
25 - 44 $70,308 0.9%
45 - 64 $71,545 5.0%
Over 65 $47,705 6.6%
Above poverty level
22,822
Below poverty level
3,109
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,822 88% -1.9%
Below poverty level 3,109 12% 13.8%

Employment in Mason City

Workforce and job types in Mason City

The job market in Mason City is powered by 13,708 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 69.2% are employed by private companies, and 10.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,708
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
9,524
Blue collar
4,184
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,524 69.5% -4.2%
Blue collar 4,184 30.5% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
69.2%
Governmental workers
10.7%
Not for profit companies
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,040 7.6% 3.9%
Private companies 9,485 69.2% -5.8%
Governmental workers 1,465 10.7% -14.8%
Not for profit companies 1,718 12.5% 17.0%
Unemployment rate
2.8%
-8.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mason City stands at 2.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Mason City

How people get around in Mason City

In Mason City, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
-2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,070 89.7% -4.1%
Bus or trolleybus 116 0.9% 10.5%
Bicycle 51 0.4% -5.6%
Walk 559 4.2% 50.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Mason City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50401 28,703 13,321 $66,072 $83,040

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FAQs about Mason City demographics 

What is the total population of Mason City?

Mason City has a total population of 27,050 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mason City?

The gender ratio in Mason City is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (13,057 residents)
  • 51.7% females (13,993 residents)

What is the median age in Mason City?

The median age in Mason City is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mason City?

The age distribution in Mason City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (4,580 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (3,174 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (6,425 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (6,656 residents)
  • Over 65: 23% (6,215 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mason City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mason City is as follows:
  • White: 86.3% (23,333 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.5% (946 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (71 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (359 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1% (267 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (1,835 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (239 residents)

What percentage of the population in Mason City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.1% of the population in Mason City.

How many housing units are there in Mason City?

There are 14,240 housing units in Mason City, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Mason City and what is the average household size?

Mason City has a total of 12,698 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mason City?

Mason City has a median household income of $64,804, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mason City?

The employment rate is 97.2% in Mason City, with a workforce of 13,708 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.5% (9,524 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.5% (4,184 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (1,040 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.2% (9,485 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.7% (1,465 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.5% (1,718 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025