Manilla, IA
Population 761 · Iowa
About Manilla, IA
Manilla is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 761 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,875 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Manilla features a median home value of $94,800, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Manilla one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $660, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 315 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (232 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manilla shows an unemployment rate of 0.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Manilla have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.5% of Manilla residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.5% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Manilla Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Manilla, IA
Compared to national averages, Manilla has a median household income of $66,875 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $94,800, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $660 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Manilla's income is 2% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 28% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Manilla, IA?
Manilla offers affordable housing with a median home value of $94,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $660/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,875) that falls below the national average. However, Manilla’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Manilla has a population of 761 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Manilla with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manilla
What is the population of Manilla, IA?
The population of Manilla, IA is 761 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Manilla?
The median household income in Manilla, IA is $66,875 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manilla?
The median home value in Manilla, IA is $94,800, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manilla?
The median monthly rent in Manilla, IA is $660, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manilla?
The unemployment rate in Manilla, IA is 0.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Manilla, IA a good place to live?
Manilla offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 761 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Manilla, IA?
11.5% of residents in Manilla aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Manilla?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manilla, IA: median home value is $94,800 (61% below national), median rent is $660/month, and median household income is $66,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Manilla?
The poverty rate in Manilla, IA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Manilla, IA?
Manilla's population is 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.