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Population Review

Mason City, Iowa Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Mason City, Iowa is 27,135 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $62,369, the median home value is $130,000, and the median age is 43.0.

The population has declined 3.9% since 2010 (28,041 → 26,948).

27,135

Population

962

People / sq mi

$62,369

Median Income

$130,000

Median Home Value

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Mason City covers 28.2 sq mi of land at 962 people per square mile.

About Mason City, IA

Housing cost is the defining feature of Mason City: the median home is valued at $130,000. With 27,135 residents, Mason City is a city in Iowa. It ranks #17 among cities in Iowa by population.

Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $62,369, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $130,000, with typical rent around $874.

Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 21.3%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.

Mason City city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Mason City city had a population of 28,041 in 2010 and 26,948 in 2024, a -3.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,041 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.28%.

2010 · 28K20102024
Mason City city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

26,948

Population (2024)

28,041

Population (2010)

28,041

Peak (2010)

-0.28%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201028,041
201127,947
201227,750
201327,664
201427,416
201527,311
201627,401
201727,339
201827,067
201926,931
202027,280
202127,180
202226,909
202326,954
202426,948

Race & Ethnicity

White88.4%
Black or African American3.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$62,369

Median Household Income

$36,527

Per Capita Income

7.3%

Poverty Rate

1.9%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$130,000

Median Home Value

$874

Median Rent

67.6%

Owner-Occupied

Education

93.3%

High School+

21.3%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.7%

Drive Alone

79.1%

Public Transit

5.4%

Work From Home

13.8 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

21.4%

Foreign Born

95.6%

Non-English at Home

7.5%

Veterans

14.3%

With Disability

95.6%

Health Insurance

92.9%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management23.4%
Manufacturing16.1%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.5%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate6.5%
Construction4.8%
Information4.2%
Retail Trade4.1%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.1%
Public Administration2.7%
Transportation & Warehousing2.0%
Agriculture & Mining1.1%

Largest cities in Iowa

Largest counties in Iowa

Part of Iowa

Metro areas in Iowa

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Mason City, Iowa has a population of 27,135 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest city in Iowa.

The median household income in Mason City, Iowa is $62,369, with 7.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Mason City, Iowa is $130,000, with median monthly rent at $874 and a homeownership rate of 67.6%.

The median age in Mason City, Iowa is 43.0 years. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

The population has declined 3.9% since 2010 (28,041 → 26,948).

Where to stay in Mason City

Visiting or relocating to Mason City, IA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.