10 Best Independent Living Communities in Algona, IA

Learn More About Independent Living in Algona, IA

Out on the vast Iowa prairie, Algona offers a peaceful, old-fashioned lifestyle for anyone seeking a quiet retirement. It may be hours from the nearest major urban center, but this rural town maintains a charming downtown area with boutique shops and dining spots, and nearby wildlife preserves allow outdoor enthusiasts plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities.

Independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — in Algona are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Algona retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Algona, IA

The median monthly cost of independent living is about $1,900 in the state of Iowa. To learn more about the cost of independent living in Algona, contact A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors.

Learn More About Algona, IA

Cost of Living

The total household expenses associated with living in Algona are rated 22 points below the national average. Grocery and other essential costs are also rated significantly below the average, indicating that living in Algona is relatively affordable.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses	Health Care	Insurance	Entertainment	Groceries	Clothing
78	74	78	82	75	77

Income and Housing

Median Income Age 45-64	Median Income Age 65+	Median Household Income	Average Individual Income	Median Employee Salary	Average Property Tax	One-bedroom Apartment Gross Rent Estimate
$72,057 per year	$43,248 per year	$56,420 per year	$29,660 per year	$37,799 per year	$1,804 per year	$474 per month

Local Hospitals

The top hospitals that service Algona include:

Kossuth Regional Health Center

• Facility type: governmental, critical-access care
• Bed count: 20+
• Specialties: emergency care, home health, hospice

Weather and Climate

Algona’s climate is classified as humid continental, which means the area experiences four distinct seasons including hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. During spring and summer months, northern Iowa often has severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes, and temperatures can approach 100 degrees in July and August. Winters bring snow and ice storms, and temperatures may fluctuate rapidly between mild and extreme cold from one day to the next. The average humidity level is 75%, and humidity levels are often highest during December at about 83%.

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average	January Maximum	January Minimum
13°F	23°F	3°F

July Average	July Maximum	July Minimum
72°F	83°F	60°F

Air Quality

• Relative Air Quality Index: 61

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

• Average annual precipitation: 30.7″

Demographics and Values

Population Statistics

Median Age	Percent of Population Over 65	Population	Population Density	Average Household Size
46	26.2%	5,772	1,286 per square mile	2.2

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native	Asian	Black	Hispanic or Latino	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	White (not Hispanic or Latino)
<0.1%	0.2%	0.8%	2.9%	<0.1%	0.8%	95.3%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

• Non-discrimination laws in Ames: 28/30
• Overall inclusivity: 87/100

2016 Presidential Election Results for Kossuth County

Democratic	Republican	Other
29.7%	66.3%	3.4%

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

Some of the most popular attractions in Algona include:

• Kossuth County Agriculture and Motorsports Museum
• Camp Algona POW Museum
• Henry Adams Building
• Ambrose A. Call State Park
• Hurlburt Wildlife Area
• Kossuth County Fairgrounds
• State 5 (movie theater)
• Downtown Algona — State Street (restaurants and shops)

Transportation

While Algona is quite small and easily traveled by foot, personal vehicles are the most common mode of transportation. For public transportation within town, the City of Algona offers a taxi service by appointment with discounted rates for seniors. Outside of Algona, Region 2 Transit operates accessible, shared van services.