Marshalltown is located in Central Iowa at the junction of Highways 30 and 14. The city has nearly 28,000 residents. Marshalltown was named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2012. Community leaders have been recognized nationally for partnering together and collaborating to make Marshalltown a better place.

Major employers in the area are JBS, Emerson Process Management Fisher Division, Hy-Vee, Iowa Veterans Home, Lennox Manufacturing, Inc. and Marshalltown Schools. A new $700-million Alliant Energy power plant was recently constructed on the east side of town.

Medical services are available through Unity Point- Marshalltown, which includes a new outpatient facility, as well as other medical, dental, optical and chiropractic services.

The Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA is considered one of the best health facilities in the state. The Marshalltown Public Library won a 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

For recreation, there are several golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic centers, 8.9 miles of recreational trails, and 24 parks. There are also art galleries, historic Main Street, antique shopping, The Big Treehouse, a renovated Orpheum Theater and the Historical Society.