Mason City, IA vs Plano, TX
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.
Mason City
84.3
#7 nationally
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Mason City leads in average commute (14.6 min vs 27.6 min). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $60,786). Mason City leads in cost of living index (87 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Mason City, IA | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 84.3 (#7) | 72.6 (#865) |
| Population | 26,906 | 287,339 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $160,581 | $499,723 |
| Median Household Income | $60,786 | $99,936 |
| Average Commute | 14.6 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 6.1 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.7 | R+11.2 |
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 →
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →