$190,294Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes For Sale
The Pearl of the Mississippi
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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Muscatine, IA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Muscatine, IA over the last 12 months is $180,950, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Zero-Step Entry Villa Home | Enjoy effortless single-level living and quality craftsmanship in this 3-bedroom, 3-bath villa built by Todd Hackett Construction Co. The vaulted great room makes an immediate impression, anchored by a gas fireplace and open sight lines for an expansive, airy feel. Quality finishes including full tile master shower, quartz counters, stainless appliances. Patio right
Updated ranch with a new kitchen and a master suite featuring a walk-in closet and main floor laundry. There is a 2nd bedroom and shared hallway bath. The kitchen is all new with updated cabinets, counters, and fixtures. Finished lower level adds extra living space with an electric fireplace, sink area, and separate toilet room. Sheltered back deck right off the kitchen and dining area. Don't
Total rehab on this cute little 2 bedroom/1 bath starter home. All major mechanicals have been replaced including new roof, siding, windows, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, driveway + an on-demand water heater. All new interior with large open kitchen / living room, full bath, drywall, doors & trim, countertops & LVP flooring. Convenient enclosed back porch serves as an excellent mudroom entrance
New Split-Foyer Home with Modern Design and Quality ConstructionThis newly built split-foyer home offers 4 BR, 3 BA, & nearly 2,300 sq. ft. of finished living space. The main level features LVP flooring through the kitchen, dining, and living areas, plus white-painted cabinets, trim, & doors accented by black matte hardware & lighting. Enjoy a deck off the dining area & a patio off the family
This thoughtfully designed new construction blends style, space, and functionality with exceptional quality throughout. Offering 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it features two private ensuites with double vanities, including a luxurious primary suite with fully tiled shower and tile flooring. The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home, with a large island, upgraded quartz countertops, and full
New Ranch-Style Home - Completion 12-1-26 or before This newly constructed ranch-style home offers over 2,200 sq. ft. of finished space with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a full basement, and 2-car garage. Enjoy the outdoors from the front porch or 18x12 covered deck. The main level features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The kitchen boasts quartz
Charming and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home on Muscatine’s east side featuring fresh paint throughout, beautiful hardwood and vinyl flooring, and a functional layout full of character. The kitchen includes a new stove and refrigerator, while the upstairs offers a second bedroom plus a versatile loft space perfect for a home office, reading nook, or additional storage. Enjoy the inviting
Discover this beautiful zero-entry home offering four bedrooms, three baths, and a layout designed for modern, flexible living. The main-level primary suite features dual vanities and a walk-in tiled shower for a touch of everyday luxury. Step inside to an inviting open-concept design with vaulted ceilings over the living and dining areas. The spacious kitchen impresses with a large quartz
Discover this beautiful zero-entry home offering four bedrooms, three baths, and a layout designed for modern, flexible living. The main-level primary suite features dual vanities and a walk-in tiled shower for a touch of everyday luxury. Step inside to an inviting open-concept design with vaulted ceilings over the living and dining areas. The spacious kitchen impresses with a large quartz
29.01 taxable acres of land with average CSR2 of 54.1. ALL ACRES SIGNED UP FOR LOUISA SOLAR PROJECT. The property sells as-is with all structures on the property deemed non-inhabitable. The seller makes no warranties on the progression of the solar project. Subject to 2026 crop lease
Great combo farm or building site! 45.19 taxable acres on paved road in L-M District. Mix of timber and approximately18.5 acres tillable. The cropland is leased for 2026 crop year.
This property is located 3 miles west of Muscatine, IA just south of Hwy 22 in a highly sought after area. Property has road frontage on Seven Springs Rd and 215th Street, making it a great potential building site with farm exemption permit. A nearly all tillable tract currently enrolled in CRP until 9-30-2030 paying approximately $7,540 per year. Average CSR2 of 72.4. Final CRP acres and
Welch Hotel Senior Apartments offers affordable 55+ living in the heart of downtown Muscatine, Iowa. Set within a beautifully restored historic building, this community blends timeless character with the comfort of updated apartment homes and refreshed common spaces. Recent property improvements include new flooring, updated heating and cooling systems, and enhancements throughout the
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
Great apartment for someone looking to save money on a smaller apartment. Freshly remodeled and move in ready. Tenants pay all their own utilities, so they can control how much or how little they spend each month. No laundry on site, but most tenants use portable washers. Laundromats also close by. Non smoking property. No pets. Contact us for a showing!
301 W. 2nd. Street is the Simon Stein Mansion in Muscatine's West Hill Historic District. All apartments include utilities, cable, WiFi and weekly housekeeping. There is a laundry room for the use of clients free of charge. We offer a Month to Month Rental Agreement and all units are fully furnished and decorated. The building is located one block from the River Front Recreation Area
This comfortable, clean apartment includes a large deck and off street parking. It has generous bedroom with closet, two large living room areas as well as smaller room suitable for an office space. The back entry leads to the deck and on into a spacious kitchen with plenty of storage. Appliances include a stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer and AC. A deposit and reference are required, tenant pays
Muscatine, IASpacious 1 bedroom apartment for rent with office or storage room.Recently updated with new paint and new carpet throughout!Private washer and dryer in unit!Central air conditioningPrivate entranceMain floor apartment, only five steps to get inside.The apartment has been deep cleaned and ready for new tenant.No petsNo smoking$700/month plus
*Available End of July* Freshly updated 2 bedroom apartment with a bright and spacious dine-in kitchen. This apartment is located in the West Hill Historic District. Enjoy easy access to the Muscatine downtown and riverfront park amenities. Washer Dryer hookups in the apartment. Washer and dryer units available for lease. Garage space available for lease.$785 base rent $105 Heat,
Looking for a place to call home without the pressure of traditional financing? This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home is a wonderful opportunity for a family ready to put down roots.The home has been owner-occupied and is in good condition, featuring newer flooring in the great room and bathroom. The kitchen offers ample storage, generous counter space, and natural light — everything
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