The 3 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Mason City, IA for 2024

Assisted living facilities provide housing and custodial services to seniors who don’t require nursing home placement but need a helping hand with daily activities. These facilities provide daily meals and recreational activities, along with convenient services such as housekeeping and transportation. Many facilities have amenities, such as hair salons, postal services and fitness centers, for added convenience. Rates vary considerably depending on a facility’s size and amenities, but on average, Mason City seniors pay $4,576 per month for care. This exceeds the Iowa norm of $4,367, but it’s comparable to the national average of $4,500.

This guide provides comprehensive information on assisted living in Mason City, including the licensing rules facilities follow. It also highlights some resources that can help seniors find the right option for their needs. 

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing governs assisted living facilities in Mason City and the rest of Iowa, ensuring a consistent scope and standard of care across the state. The department publishes details on the licensing process and rules facilities follow, as well as information on residents’ rights. It also provides contact information for regional DIAL program coordinators.

• Mason City’s low cost of living makes the community a practical option for many seniors seeking assisted living on a budget. On a 100-point index based on average living costs nationwide, the city scores 70, about 10 percentage points below the state norm. Housing costs are well below state and national norms, which may drive down the cost of long-term care.
• Historically, property crime occurs more frequently in Mason City than in other cities across the state and nation, although crime frequency has been trending downward for two decades. Violent crime occurs much less frequently, giving many prospective assisted living residents peace of mind. On a 100-point crime index, the city scores 51.2 for property-related crime and 11.9 for violent crime compared to the national scores of 35.4 and 22.7, respectively.
• With a humid continental climate, Mason City may provide an attractive retirement option for those who enjoy experiencing distinct seasons. Summers are comfortable with average high temperatures in the low 80s, and winters are cold with lows in the single digits. Additionally, the city gets about 35 inches of rainfall and 39 inches of snow annually, with residents seeing precipitation about 102 days out of the year. Assisted living facilities promote an active lifestyle year-round through indoor and outdoor recreational activities and amenities.
• MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center is located in Mason City and provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, including telemedicine services for optimal convenience. This private not-for-profit hospital has 346 beds and serves over 400,000 patients annually. The city has about 358 doctors per 100,000 people, versus the national norm of 210, which may promote access to prompt care for those in assisted living.
• Property taxes are relatively high in Iowa, prompting many seniors in Mason City to opt for residential care as an alternative to living alone. Additionally, the state’s income tax laws are favorable for retirees, with a full exemption for Social Security benefits and a deduction of up to $6,000 on other forms of retirement income, helping many afford long-term care expenses in Mason City.

Assisted living facilities in Mason City charge monthly median rates of $4,576 for care.

In Mason City, assisted living residents pay approximately $4,576 per month for care, which is comparable to the national average of $4,500 but about 5% higher than the state norm. Even so, Mason City may be an economical alternative to obtaining care in Cedar Rapids, where rates are about $170 higher than in Mason City, or Des Moines, where seniors pay $4,803 for services. On the other hand, seniors may save money on monthly care expenses by opting for assisted living in Iowa City, where facilities charge $4,410, or Davenport, where rates come in 5% below Mason City’s average.

Assisted living residents in Mason City pay $4,576 per month for housing and personal care, making this among the city’s more economical long-term care options. While adult day health care has a lower monthly fee of $1,300, this option doesn’t include living expenses, such as housing. Seniors who arrange private services in their own homes pay $4,767 for basic in-home care and specialized home health care, and those who live in nursing homes pay $6,874 per month for semi-private accommodations.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.