$195,274Average Value$137Average Price per Sq Ft47Homes For Sale
Respected schools, plentiful parks and job opportunities in Algona
Home to about 5,500 people, Algona is an easy-going agricultural community in Kossuth County. The community has had a growing number of transplants after the COVID-19 pandemic led city-dwellers to seek quieter lifestyles in the country. “It first started with people who had family here or maybe grew up in the area, and during COVID, you had people who wanted to leave the city and come back home,” says Brad Hoover, a lifelong resident, city council member, and Algona team lead for The 515 Agency. “But then you started seeing a lot of people leaving larger cities because of COVID and they wanted to get away from people and have some more space.” Hoover says Algona offers room to breathe, a strong school system, a supportive environment and plenty of job opportunities. “We have a diverse economy that keeps us thriving even in the down years, with agriculture, manufacturing and a Hormel Foods plant," Hoover says. “We’re fortunate to have fiber-optic internet even in the rural areas so people can work remotely, and Kossuth County in general competes every year for the lowest unemployment rate in Iowa. We have more jobs than people.”
Algona neighborhoods feature spacious lots and modern homes near parks.
Premier Pizza serves classic pies in Algona's lively downtown.
1/2
Variety of 20th century styles at a slightly higher price
The median home price in Algona is around $180,000, higher than nearby Humboldt’s median of $140,000. Housing options range from early 1900s styles like cottage, Cape Cod, National, Victorian, and American Foursquare, to post-1950s ranch and split-level homes, some with midcentury modern influences. Newer New Traditional builds are also present. Many homes sit on compact, tree-lined lots with sidewalks and green lawns.
Algona offers early 1900s architecture for those seeking vintage appeal.
New Traditional homes in Algona offer modern comfort and curb appeal.
Affordable Algona ranch-style homes start near $180,000 for practical comfort.
Craftsman‑style homes in Algona blend character with timeless design.
1/4
Public schools, private Catholic education and a college campus
Algona Community School District, rated B by Niche, serves about 1,500 students across three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The middle and high schools share a campus. “Our school system in Algona is second to none,” Hoover says. “We have an incredible band and chorus curriculum, and it just seems like any way, shape or form, you have opportunities here in Algona that measure up to if you were in a larger area.” Algona has private options, too. Seton Elementary School, a Catholic pre-kindergarten through second grade institution, is unrated by Niche, while the corresponding Bishop Garrigan School for grades 3-12 receives a C. Iowa Lakes Community College also has a branch in Algona.
Seton Grade School provides a faith-filled elementary education where students from preschool through fourth grade grow in a loving and spiritual environment.
Bishop Garrigan High School boasts an impressive graduation rate and high test scores reflecting a commitment to rigorous academics and personalized college preparation.
1/2
Parks offer splash pads, river access and sports facilities
Algona features seven parks and a trail system, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Veteran’s Park, the largest at 20 acres, includes a playground, ball diamonds, sports courts, a radio control race car track and an enclosed dog park. Kayakers and canoers can launch onto the East Fork of the Des Moines River from Keith’s Landing at the park. “We’ve got Central Park, where we re-did the skate park and put in a splash pad, and that’s been awesome,” Hoover says. “We have young kids, and it’s awesome to take our kids to the splash pad and run through it because they’re not old enough for the pool yet.” Just two miles away, Ambrose A. Call State Park has camping, hiking trails and a disc golf course. Golfers can enjoy Eagle Hills Golf Course, River Road Golf Club, and Caddyshack Miniature Golf.
Veterans Park features modern playground equipment and ample picnic spots with grills making it a favorite destination for family outings in Algona.
Central Park offers a diverse range of recreational amenities including a well-maintained ball diamond and modern playground equipment for children to enjoy.
1/2
Grocery stores and locally owned restaurants
Hy-Vee and Fareway have groceries covered in town. “Unfortunately, you still see people leaving 45 minutes to go to Spencer or Mason City to go to a Walmart or go to Aldi,” Hoover says. “We don’t have as many restaurants, so we see a lot of people go out of town to eat too.” The city has some unique offerings like Algona Axe House, a bar and grill that offers axe throwing on the weekends, and The Perky Parrot, a cocktail lounge with an upscale but inviting atmosphere. “We have Cinco de Mayo, it’s really popular and they have good food and quick service,” Hoover says. “Premier Pizza is a mom-and-pop pizza shop. That was one of our favorites even in high school. When my brother comes here, there’s no question where we’re going for food.”
Algona's historic storefronts host unique shops and local favorites.
Hy‑Vee anchors grocery shopping in Algona with fresh produce and essentials.
1/2
Annual events include Kossuth County Fair and Founders’ Day
Locals look forward to events like the Party in the Parks concert series in the summer and the Kossuth County Farmers Market from May through October. The Kossuth County Fair features a week of agricultural displays, food, carnival rides, live entertainment and racing at the Kossuth County Speedway at the fairgrounds in town. Founders’ Day weekend celebrates the town’s founding every July with a Friday night parade, kids activities and the annual Showboat Open Golf Tournament at River Road Golf Club.
Des Moines is about two hours away
U.S. Route 169 runs through town and leads to Des Moines and Des Moines International Airport about 130 miles away. Kossuth Regional Health Center offers medical care in town. Algona is also home to several houses of worship, including Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist and non-denominational churches.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Pasha Chichagov
Video By
Nick Seitz
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Kolbet,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Algona, IA sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Algona, IA over the last 12 months is $165,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Live your best life on the edge of town where city convenience meets rural serenity! This handsome ranch home sits on .53 acres just outside of Algona and offers space, comfort, and future potential. NEW NEW NEW: new Andersen windows, newly installed Genie garage door openers, new steel-frame single-lite commercial pedestrian door, Armstrong Air natural gas forced-air furnace and air conditioner
Beautifully remodeled home with a double attached garage. The main level consists of a spacious kitchen with large center island and beautiful finishes, a dining room, large living room with wood floors and great natural light, 2 bedrooms and a stunning full bath. The nicely finished lower level has a large family room, a bedroom with egress window, a nice 3/4 bath and the laundry. Other updates
Tucked into a beautiful, wooded neighborhood, this stunning two-story home offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and modern updates. From the moment you arrive, the inviting wrap-around porch sets the tone—an ideal spot to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. Step inside to a spacious main level featuring a large, updated kitchen that seamlessly opens to the living room, creating a
Beautiful brick ranch home with a double attached garage located on a large corner lot. This home offers complete main level living and is move in ready. Walk into this home and you will find a spacious kitchen with all appliances, a separate dining room, spacious living & family rooms, large primary bedroom with 3/4 bath that has a walk in shower, 2 additional bedrooms, a full bath, a half bath
Enjoy country living just outside of Algona! This spacious ranch sits on 2 acres and offers 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. The main level features 3 bedrooms, main-floor laundry and a four-season room. The finished lower level provides even more living space with a family room, fireplace, 4th bedroom, full bath and plenty of storage. Outside you'll find an attached 2-stall garage plus a 28x32 insulated
Charming three bedroom ranch style home with attached garage. Whether you're a first time home buyer, looking to downsize, or searching for a cozy place to call home, this property is full of potential!
Beautiful ranch style home with a double attached garage. You have complete main level living with this wonderful home that includes a beautiful kitchen with large center island & stainless appliances, dining room with a view to the backyard, living room with fireplace & built ins, large family room, master bed/bath, 2 additional bedrooms and another full bath along with the laundry. Large
This ranch style home has a great location just down the street from the swimming pool and pickle ball courts. On the main level you will find the kitchen with plenty of counter space & all appliances, the dining room, the spacious living room, 3 nice bedrooms and a full bathroom. The partially finished level offers a large family room, perfect for movie nights. There is also a 3/4 bath, the
Spacious 2-story home on Wooster Street! Built in 1913, this well-maintained home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a spacious layout perfect for family living. The kitchen features beautiful oak cabinets and plenty of storage, while newer windows provide energy efficiency and natural light throughout. A cozy office in the porch offers the perfect space for working from home or managing daily
Set your furniture down and make yourself at home in this nicely updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch on a spacious lot on Algona’s east side. The main floor offers an easy, open layout with the kitchen, dining area, and living room all flowing together — perfect for everyday living and simple gatherings with family and friends. Just off the kitchen and dining area, you’ll find a large deck that looks
Beautiful end unit condo located in the down town area. This condo offers main level living with a recently finished basement that offers more living space. On the main level is the beautiful kitchen with breakfast bar and all appliances, a dining room, nice living room with great windows, primary bedroom with bathroom, additional 2nd bedroom, a 2nd bathroom and the laundry. The finished lower
If space is what you desire most, come take a look at this great home! With over 2200 sq feet of living area, everyone will have plenty of cherished space to enjoy from the generous main floor living room, to the large dining room, the handsome office area and 1⁄2 bath, all the way down to the roomy basement level family rec room! The home provides 3 good-sized upper bedrooms, an upper-level
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
