Life in Algona, from a local perspective
Algona is home to approximately 5,400 people, which includes a mix of people who have lived in the area for most of their life and people who were drawn to the community for work, family or other opportunities. Learn more about the community through the lens of some of our local residents.
“We just love it…Algona makes you want to stay.”
Tiffany Petty, Kinetic Technologies
Careers and community found in Algona
Tiffany and Jacob Petty came to Algona for their careers and found the community to be a perfect fit for their family.
Both Tiffany and Jacob are employed at Kinetic Technologies as an Administrative Assistant and a Senior Robotic Systems Engineer, respectively. Tiffany and Jacob grew up in Utah and lived in Wisconsin for five years. When a job opportunity popped up in Algona, they were ready for change.
After living in the community for a year and a half, they both love the atmosphere of Algona and describe it as welcoming, genuine, and inclusive.
“Algona has a really good community feel,” Tiffany said. “We just love it…Algona makes you want to stay.”
Algona is smaller in size than their previous city, but it offers a nice mix of activities, shopping and events. They like that most everything they need is right here in town, with things to do and plenty of businesses for shopping. It’s a community that they, and their children, can enjoy.
“We plan on staying, putting down roots,” Jacob said. “It’s a good place to raise a family.”
McKenzie (Keith) Jorgenson, owner of Volume J
“The community support has just been amazing. Once you find your niche…the community will show up for you.”
New chapter begins in a familiar place
McKenzie (Keith) Jorgenson began her story in Algona, and now it’s the place she chose to write her next chapter as a small business owner.
Jorgenson was born and raised in Algona, as was her husband Peter. She has spent most of her life in this community, except for a one-year stay in Ames. The pair chose to return to the area to start their family. In addition to her work as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, Jorgenson is the owner and operator of Volume J, which opened in June of 2025.
This cozy bookstore and wine bar is housed in the former train depot and hosts regular book club gatherings in addition to offering books and beverages for purchase.
“The community support has just been amazing,” Jorgenson said. “Once you find your niche…the community will show up for you.”
She said the response to her business has been incredible so far, with every book club meeting maxing out on attendance. She describes Algona as welcoming and supportive for small businesses, with plenty of events to draw people in throughout the year.