$191,029Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Leslie Klosterman
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Nick Seitz
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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.
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On average, homes in Algona, IA sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Algona, IA over the last 12 months is $165,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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
Spacious and well-designed, this 4-bedroom home offers comfortable main-level living with 1,296 square feet of thoughtfully laid-out space. The main floor features an open-concept living room, dining area, and kitchen—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. You’ll also find convenient main-floor laundry and a primary suite complete with a walk-in shower and his-and-hers closets.
Stunning Home on Historic Thorington Street – Classic Charm Meets Modern Luxury! Completely renovated, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home blends timeless character with today’s style. The main floor features a gorgeous kitchen with quartz countertops, spacious dining and living areas filled with natural light, a cozy sunroom, and a bar area perfect for entertaining. The primary suite offers
Own your own piece of paradise in this wooded lot in highly sought after neighborhood. The home welcomes you into a large open main level that consists of new modern kitchen with quartz countertops with island and great storage, living room with fireplace, dining area, sunroom and half bath. The second story has primary bedroom with walk-in closet and access to a lovely bath with double sinks,
Justin GarmanCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
Nestled in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home checks all the boxes. Beautiful hardwood floors extend throughout the living room, dining room, kitchen, and primary suite. The welcoming living room is ideal for entertaining or relaxing with family, complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace. The layout flows seamlessly into the dining room and connects to the
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
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
Enjoy country living at its finest with this 3-bedroom, 3 bath ranch home situated on 3.22 acres. Offering 1,428 square feet on the main level, this home features beautiful oak kitchen cabinetry with a built-in family table, a family room, and a bright 4-season room perfect for plants or relaxing year-round. Upstairs you will find a large master bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet and attached
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
Charming corner-lot home in a quiet neighborhood! Enjoy peaceful views and frequent wildlife sightings from the covered front patio or the beautiful 4-season addition with a cozy gas fireplace. The front foyer opens to a spacious great room and a good-sized dining room, plus a front family room for extra living space. The kitchen offers plenty of dining and workspace. Double French doors lead to
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
Taking Applications. Newly remodeled Upstairs Apartment Close to Downtown Algona (Available NOW). Private entrance with off street parking. 1 bedroom/1 bath with kitchen, living room & laundry.Water, gas, electric, trash & lawn care are included. No smoking/no pets. We are not Section 8 qualified. 1 month rent + 1 month security deposit are due upon signing a lease. $950/1 year lease.
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