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
Duane Boysen,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Muscatine, IA sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Muscatine, IA over the last 12 months is $120,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Popular and inviting home in Whispering Pines! This brand-new zero-lot home blends modern design with everyday comfort. Offering three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the open-concept layout is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. The kitchen showcases a center island, sleek black stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, and matte black fixtures and hardware. The living room
Experience the perfect blend of style and function in Whispering Pines! This new construction zero-lot home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a modern open-concept design. The kitchen is designed to impress with an island, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and brushed nickel fixtures and hardware. The living room centers around an electric fireplace with a stone surround,
Impressive inside and out, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home offers over 4,000 sq. ft. finished across 3 levels, giving you the space and flexibility you've been looking for. The kitchen features granite, stainless appliances, updated flooring, lighting, and more. Flexible spaces include a library with built-ins, formal dining, bedrooms, and a finished lower level. Highlights include crown molding,
This split-foyer new construction single-family home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and almost 2300 finished square feet. The main level includes LVP flooring in the kitchen, dining, and living room. The home is adorned with white-painted cabinets, trim, and doors, as well as black matte-finished hardware and lighting. There's a deck off the main level dining area and a patio off the family
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with hardwood floors, butcher block counters, and open shelving in the kitchen. Enjoy the updated wood deck and a detached 2-stall garage. Located in a quiet neighborhood, just a short walk to the golf course and local amenities. Some photos are virtually staged.
Popular and inviting home in Whispering Pines! This brand-new zero-lot home blends modern design with everyday comfort. Offering three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the open-concept layout is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. The kitchen showcases a center island, sleek black stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, and matte black fixtures and hardware. The living room
Modern Apartments in the Heart of Muscatine, IADiscover comfortable, modern living in the heart of Muscatine with these spacious 1- to 3-bedroom apartments, offering a variety of floor plans to fit your needs. Whether you're looking for a cozy one-bedroom or room to grow, you'll find a home that suits your lifestyle.Many units feature in-unit laundry for added convenience, while
Located in Muscatine, Iowa, the Welch Hotel Apartments have Efficiency, 1 & 2 Bedroom units for Seniors 55 and older. This pet-friendly community has in-unit washer & dryers, off-street parking, and beautiful kitchens with a fridge, microwave & stove.To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and your gross annual income must fall below our income limits.
Cobblestone Apartments – Comfortable Living in the Heart of MuscatineWelcome to Cobblestone Apartments, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Muscatine, Iowa. Nestled directly across from the scenic Weed Park, our pet-friendly community offers beautifully designed 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments with spacious open floorplans to suit your lifestyle.Each unit
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
