Apple Valley, MN vs Mason City, IA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Apple Valley
72.8
#818 nationally
Mason City
84.3
#7 nationally
Mason City leads in average commute (14.6 min vs 26.1 min). Mason City leads in walk score (37 vs 21). Apple Valley leads in median household income ($97,588 vs $60,786).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#818) | 84.3 (#7) |
| Population | 55,336 | 26,906 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $381,926 | $160,581 |
| Median Household Income | $97,588 | $60,786 |
| Average Commute | 26.1 min | 14.6 min |
| Walk Score | 21 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 5.9 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 87 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+12.9 | R+11.7 |
C-
72.8 Score
Apple Valley, MN
Minnesota community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$381,926
Population
55,336
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View Apple Valley, MN →
B
84.3 Score
Mason City, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$160,581
Population
26,906
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Mason City, IA →
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