$195,675Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft52Homes 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.
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
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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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Algona, IA sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Algona, IA over the last 12 months is $165,000, down 7% 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
Set your furniture down in this nicely updated and well maintained ranch style home on a spacious lot in Algona. This home features a refreshed galley style kitchen, dining area, bamboo flooring throughout, a bright living room, full bath, 2 main level bedrooms, including a master suite with 3/4 bath & walk in closet. Downstairs is the laundry area, 3/4 bath, utility area, partially finished
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
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!
Completely remodeled from top to bottom, this move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,400 square feet of beautifully updated living space on an 8,700-square-foot lot. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with brand-new windows, roof, vinyl siding, flooring, and fresh finishes throughout. Inside you’ll find vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, a spacious family room, dining room,
This is a nice 2 story home that offers great living space. On the main level, you have a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet space and all appliances, a large dining room, spacious living room and a great enclosed front porch. The upper level features 3 spacious bedrooms and a bathroom. The finished lower level has a nice sized family room, a bathroom and the laundry that includes 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
Ranch Home – Great Potential! This 2-bedroom ranch features a full bath, kitchen, living room, and main-floor laundry conveniently located in a bedroom closet. Enjoy a single attached garage, walkout to a nice-sized backyard, and a storage shed. Flooring has been removed and the home is being sold as-is—bring your ideas and make it your own!
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