Settler Henry Anson called the land between Linn Creek and the Iowa River “the prettiest place in Iowa” when he built his log cabin in what is now Marshalltown. Today’s city of about 27,500 residents is home to a thriving Latino community, one of the largest veteran’s homes in the United States and a JBS pork packing plant that employs thousands. “It’s a diversified city with a lot of close-knit people,” says Cindy Brodin, longtime resident and agent at Premier Real Estate. “There’s a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that people don’t know about where we all come together and help each other. We're ‘Marshalltown Strong.’”
A statue of Marshalltown's founder, Henry Anson keeps watch over the city.
Marshalltown is home to the nearly 150 year old Iowa Veterans Home.
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Marshalltown’s housing market rebuilds and continues development
Homes in Marshalltown sell at a medium price of $175,000, far below the national average. Options range from early-1900s National Folk homes and bungalows at the center of town to ranch-styles on the south side. “We have a lot of older homes, but a lot of them have been redone, rebuilt or turned into vacant land because of a big tornado and a derecho that came through," Brodin says. The two disasters occurred in 2018 and 2020, respectively, uprooting many lives. Ongoing efforts to amend the damage to both homes and businesses have brought community members closer. “That's where they get Marshalltown Strong – we all came together in those times. Not one person died in our town during the tornado.” The city also continues to grow despite the setbacks, with single-family or townhouse developments in the works on its farthest south and west corners.
Marshalltown features primarily older homes, with many over a century old.
Midcentury ranch homes are a common sight throughout Marshalltown.
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Walkable shopping downtown, on 13th Street and at Marshalltown Mall
The lofty Marshall County Courthouse stands strong at the center of downtown. The building and surrounding family-owned eateries, shops and Mexican supermarkets underwent rounds of repair following damage from the EF3 tornado and derecho. Though some local staples closed their doors forever, the area is back in business with more arrivals on the horizon. Towering public art overlooks another walkable sector on the west side: the 13th Street District, which combines commerce with a bandshell and park. Marshalltown Mall, which has long stood on the south side of town, will receive upgrades and redevelopments through 2026 that could save shoppers the drive to Des Moines or Ames for brand-name retailers. Big-box stores like Hy-Vee, Aldi and Walmart also have locations in Marshalltown.
Marshalltown's downtown square features a vibrant, bustling commercial culture.
In Marshalltown's walkable 13th St District, Lillie Mae Chocolates is a local staple.
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Dual language and community college opportunities in Marshalltown
Marshalltown Community School District serves much of the region and scores a C-plus rating from Niche. Though most attend their neighborhood elementary school, any student from the district can apply for Woodbury Elementary School’s Dual Language Program for classes in both English and Spanish. Marshalltown High School partners with the National Hispanic Institute – a nonprofit that fosters leadership within the country’s Latino and Hispanic communities – and was selected as the organization’s 2024 School District of the Year. Some students on the far east side of town are zoned for the East Marshall Community School District, which also scores a C-plus. On-campus housing and dual enrollment classes are available at Marshalltown Community College, located on the city’s south side.
Marshalltown High School is home to the Marshalltown Bobcats.
Marshalltown Community College is an excellent first step for secondary education.
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Getting around in Marshalltown
Drivers pass over railyard and industrial centers on bridges between the north and south grid. “There is a city bus, but most people can drive or walk,” Brodin says. “It just depends on where you live and what the temperature is like.” Marshalltown gets hot, humid summers and below-freezing winters, and the city deploys plows for snow over two inches. UnityPoint Health has a hospital campus and facilities throughout town, though it’s a 57-mile drive southwest to Des Moines International Airport.
Indoor and outdoor Marshalltown recreation
Marshalltown’s 22 parks span over 200 acres, from neighborhood playgrounds to Riverview Campground. The parks and recreation department offers multilevel sports programs like basketball, volleyball and swim lessons at the Marshalltown Family Aquatic Center, open from June through August next to the YMCA-YWCA. The Linn Creek Recreational Trail traces its namesake waterway for 10 miles across the city.
Marshalltown's Riverview Park sits along the Iowa River which borders the city to the north.
Marshalltown features a beautiful new YMCA facility, with excellent aquatic facilities.
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Tracking crime in Marshalltown
FBI statistics show that crimes against property in Marshalltown increased by about 10% between 2020 and 2023, while crimes against persons increased by 31% in the same time period. However, crime throughout Marshall County decreased by about 5% between 2023 and 2024. The Marshalltown Police Department manages the Marshall County Crime Stoppers Program, where residents can drop anonymous crime tips by call or text.
Marshalltown events for a cause
Oktemberfest kicks off fall in Marshalltown with a carnival, parade and live music on Center Street. Other events aim to support the community’s vulnerable populations, from golf outings for locally owned Iowa River Hospice to local chapters of nationwide organizations like 100+ Women Who Care. “You put your name in a hat, and 3 people get so many minutes to talk and answer questions,” Brodin says. “$100 goes to whichever organization a person votes for. We just had one for the homeless.” Marshalltown Public Library won the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2013 for its community resources and outreach, especially towards students and adult learners.
Marshalltown's public library has won awards for its excellent community outreach.
In the fall, downtown Marshalltown is taken over by Oktemberfest, a carnival, and live music.
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Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonell Wittkop,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Marshalltown, IA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Marshalltown, IA over the last 12 months is $288,500, up 221% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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