Fargo, ND 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.
Fargo
77.9
#209 nationally
Mason City
84.3
#7 nationally
Fargo leads in walk score (46 vs 37). Mason City leads in average commute (14.6 min vs 16.8 min). Mason City leads in cost of living index (87 vs 94).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.9 (#209) | 84.3 (#7) |
| Population | 129,798 | 26,906 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $326,637 | $160,581 |
| Median Household Income | $62,891 | $60,786 |
| Average Commute | 16.8 min | 14.6 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 37 |
| Crime Level | Low | 6.1 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 87 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+8.4 | R+11.7 |
C+
77.9 Score
Fargo, ND
Northern Plains energy
Median Home
$326,637
Population
129,798
Crime
Low
Schools
B
Midwest
View Fargo, ND →
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 →