Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Mason City, IA
14 affordable buildings in Mason City
Mason City, IA has 14 income-restricted buildings across 1 ZIP code: 8 tax credit, 7 Section 8, and 8 senior. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In Mason City
Autumn Park Apartments ~ Mason City
710 S Pierce Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
64 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Pilgrim Place
741 S Illinois Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
34 units · Studio–1 BR · People with disabilities
The Meadows of Mason City
1600 Tenth St SE, Mason City, IA 50401
60 units · 1–3 BR · People with disabilities
Legacy Manor of Mason City
3310 Ninth St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
48 units · 47 income-restricted · 2 BR
Legacy Manor of Mason City II
3300 9th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
48 units · 43 income-restricted · 2 BR
River City Apts
15 N Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
46 units · 41 income-restricted · 1–2 BR · People with disabilities
Pebble Creek Apts Phase II
190 S Grover Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
33 units · 32 income-restricted · 1–4+ BR
Pebble Creek Apts
150 S Grover Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
32 units · 2–4+ BR · People with disabilities
19 N Ohio Ave
19 N Ohio Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
1 unit
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
No buildings in Mason City match this filter.
Programs in Mason City
- Tax credit
- Section 8
- Seniors
ZIP codes in Mason City
Nearby cities
Rents and income limits in 50401
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $950/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $38,000/yr
- Renters in 50401 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 36%
Income limits (2026)
Cerro Gordo County, IA area · median family income $97,400. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,450 | $34,100 | $54,550 |
| 2 | $23,400 | $39,000 | $62,350 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $43,850 | $70,150 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $48,700 | $77,900 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $56,500 | $90,400 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $60,400 | $96,600 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $64,300 | $102,850 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 50401 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $760 | $744 |
| 1 bedroom | $770 | $749 |
| 2 bedrooms | $950 | $927 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,250 | $1,218 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,520 | $1,485 |
Wider area = Cerro Gordo County, IA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 5 nearby ZIPs range from $930 (50456) to $1,000 (50458).
Census figures for 50401 (2020–2024 average): median rent $875. Median household income $66,072. 34% of homes are rented. 36% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 18% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 50401's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 50401Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Mason City, IA?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Mason City, IA, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
Do affordable housing buildings in Mason City, IA have openings?
These lists for Mason City, IA don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
How do I apply for affordable housing in Mason City, IA?
Use the phone number on each building card in Mason City, IA. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.
What counts as affordable housing in Mason City, IA?
In Mason City, IA, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.
How many affordable housing buildings are in Mason City, IA?
This directory lists 14 income-restricted buildings in Mason City, IA. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Which ZIP codes in Mason City have affordable housing?
Income-restricted buildings in Mason City are listed in 50401 (14).
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Mason City, IA?
Most income-restricted buildings in Mason City, IA serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $34,100, and $48,700 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($54,550 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Mason City, IA?
For many programs in Mason City, IA, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $34,100 a year for 1 person and $48,700 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $54,550 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Mason City, IA?
There is no single waiting list for Mason City, IA. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Mason City, IA?
Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Mason City, IA. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Mason City, IA?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Mason City, IA, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Mason City, IA is $950 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Mason City, IA?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Mason City, IA. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.
Is there senior affordable housing in Mason City, IA?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Mason City, IA. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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