As the seat of Muscatine County, the city of the same name can trace its growth to the humblest of creatures: the freshwater mussel. Opened in the late 1800s, the Weber and Sons Button Company made Muscatine the largest pearl button manufacturer in the world, using the opalescent shells of mollusks found in the Mississippi River to create more than a billion buttons a year. This success earned Muscatine the nickname “The Pearl City” and attention from other manufacturers that continues to this day. “There’s a lot of entrepreneurial spirit here,” says Dr. Brad Bark, Mayor of Muscatine. “That, and our cost of living, brings people here from all over.”
Muscatine is built into the river valley hills overlooking the Mississippi River.
Muscatine was named after the fresh water mussel, whose pearls jump started the city.
1/2
The oldest Kraft-Heinz factory in the world
Manufacturing still plays a large role in the local economy, with top employers headquartered there like HNI Corporation and Kent Corporation. "We have the oldest operating Kraft-Heinz in Muscatine," says Bark. "A lot of your ketchup comes from right here." Other major job creators include Muscatine Community School District, Bayer, Bridgestone, SSAB Steel Inc. and Baker US Crop Science. UnityPoint Health, the city's primary hospital, employs over 400 people.
The median price for homes in Muscatine is in the high $100,000s, well below the national median price in the low $400,000s. The area's oldest homes, often built as early as the 1800s, are closer to downtown. Two-story 20th-century houses are typical along the east side of town off University Drive. The area surrounding Muscatine Airport has a large number of midcentury-inspired ranch-style homes.
Muscatine boasts the oldest currently operating Kraft-Heinz factory.
Muscatine's streets are lined with historic homes, including Colonials and Foursquares.
1/2
"The World's Largest Watermelon"
Riverside Park is home to the "World's Largest Watermelon," a 16-by-40-foot watermelon sculpture that weighs over 16,000 pounds and overlooks the Mississippi River, which is boat-accessible through the city's boat slips and ramps. The city's Department of Parks and Recreation also oversees 550 acres of green space and public facilities, and the Trust for Public Land estimates that 66% of locals live 10 minutes or less from a public park.
Riverside Park in Muscatine boasts the worlds largest watermelon sculpture.
Muscatine enjoys several marinas on the Mississippi River, including in Riverside Park.
1/2
Local history at the Pearl Button Museum
Local cultural institutions include the Muscatine Art Center, the Muscatine Center for the Performing Arts and the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. The National Pearl Button Museum tells the tale of the industry that once dominated the city and the billions of mollusks that made it possible. For over 40 years, every Memorial Day weekend has kicked off the Melon City Criterium, a bicycle race that brings cyclists from all over the Midwest.
The city recently approved a $7 million sports complex for hosting local and touring athletes. "It's going to be the biggest dome in Iowa," says Roos. "That's going to bring a lot of revenue."
Muscatine is proud of its heritage, and features the comprehensive Pearl Button Museum.
The Muscatine Art Center offers a wide array of art collected from the city over the years.
1/2
Locally owned boutique shopping downtown
While big box franchises and grocery stores are throughout the city, retail shopping isn't as common. "That's probably a bit of a sticking point," says Roos. "We don't have great shopping, so people tend to go to Iowa City and Davenport for malls and places like that." Locally owned eateries and boutiques in the city's walkable downtown are another story. "The city has been really diligent in putting money back into the city, renewing the riverfront and getting small businesses and restaurants into town," says Roos.
Flooding is a minor risk in Muscatine, but flooding insurance is required in high-risk areas. "We've had flooding before," says Roos. "It doesn't happen often, though." The city has responded to this danger with a floodwall that protects homes and businesses.
Muscatine families enjoy heading down to downtown to grab a meal or do some shopping.
Muscatine's downtown features several cute little boutique restaurant options.
1/2
Flights from Quad Cities Airport
Highways 61 and 38 are the area's main thoroughfares, and the city rarely has major traffic. The Quad Cities International Airport is 30 miles from Muscatine and has 41 daily flights through four major airlines. The city provides a public transit service called MuscaBus, which travels all over the city on fixed routes from Monday through Saturday.
Nearly 20 public schools
Muscatine Community School District serves the city with 19 schools in the area and a C-plus rating by Niche.
McKinley Elementary School is one of many quality schools found throughout Muscatine.
Muscatine's older students end their primary educations at Muscatine High School.
1/2
Important to know
The Iowa Department of Public Safety statistics show that in 2024, violent and property-related crimes in Muscatine were lower per capita than the national average. Violent and property-related crime dropped between 2023 and 2024.
Muscatine has snowy, wind-filled winters and long, hot summers with a lot of humidity.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diana Salazar,
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 Muscatine, IA sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Muscatine, IA over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully Updated Home Inside and Out! Step into the welcoming foyer and immediately feel the openness and warmth created by an abundance of natural light. The remodeled kitchen is a standout, featuring new flooring, stylish backsplash, and modern appliances—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. All new flooring throughout the entire home! A set of double sliding doors leads you
Come take a look at this comfortable 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with several nice updates! Features include an oversized one stall garage with a new garage door, a loft for storage or a workshop, fenced in backyard, large open front porch and enclosed back porch. Upstairs bathroom has recently been completely remodeled and includes a new shower and a jetted bathtub. 1/2 bath has been added on
Many recent upgrades including new carpet and kitchen cabinets. Newer flooring, furnace, A/C, bathroom & roof! 2 bedrooms up with an additional non-conforming bedroom down that can be used as an office or bonus area. Main floor laundry room that includes additional pantry storage. Deck and fenced in yard. All square footages, dimensions, sizes and details are taken from county records and/or
Nestled on 7.35 picturesque acres, this exceptional all-brick multilevel home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and rural charm. 4 spacious bedrooms and remodeled bathrooms with new flooring, this home is designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The main level boasts an inviting living space with a gas fireplace, while the walk-out basement features a cozy wood-burning fireplace,
Ready to build on residential lot for sale in Arbor Commons of Muscatine. Arbor Commons is near Discovery Park, Fuller Park, walking and biking trails, post office, grocery store and schools. Build to suite options are also available. Ask to see our plans or design your own. Owners are Licensed Real Estate Agents in the State of Iowa
Ready to build on residential lot for sale in Arbor Commons of Muscatine. Arbor Commons is near Discovery Park, Fuller Park, walking and biking trails, post office, grocery store and schools. Build to suite options are also available. Ask to see our plans or design your own. Owners are Licensed Real Estate Agents in the State of Iowa
We are so excited to welcome you home to Colorado Senior Lofts! Your community features one and two-bedroom apartment homes designed for adults 55 & over. Each spacious floor plan includes modern amenities you would expect to find in a luxury home, at affordable rental rates: a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with energy-efficient appliances, a full-size washer & dryer, exceptional closet space,
This property at 704 Cedar St features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 1,084 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bathroom includes a tub/shower combination. Each bedroom provides sufficient room for furniture and storage. The property is equipped with amenities such as cable and Wifi readiness. There is a washer/dryer hookup
This is the Historic Simon Stein Mansion in Muscatine's Residential West Hill Historic District. One block from the downtown Shopping and Entertainment district where restaurants, coffee shops, bars and shopping is available. And one block away from the Mississippi River and our Parks and Recreation trail system for biking and walking, boat launch, picnic and playground areas.
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.
