Manly, IA
Population 1,288 · Iowa
About Manly, IA
Manly is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,288 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,083 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Manly features a median home value of $110,900, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Manly one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $701, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 575 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (349 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (179 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manly shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Manly have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Manly 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 5.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Manly, IA
Compared to national averages, Manly has a median household income of $67,083 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,900, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $701 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Manly's income is 1% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 16% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Manly, IA?
Manly offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $701/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,083) that falls below the national average. However, Manly’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Manly has a population of 1,288 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Manly with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Manly
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Tree | 1,285 | $80,294 | $170,700 | Compare |
| Gilbert | 1,300 | $112,250 | $267,200 | Compare |
| Central City | 1,266 | $81,607 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Dike | 1,258 | $88,523 | $235,900 | Compare |
| Dunlap | 1,318 | $54,609 | $115,600 | Compare |
| Walford | 1,318 | $116,477 | $274,500 | Compare |
| Montezuma | 1,257 | $63,375 | $157,800 | Compare |
| Tripoli | 1,256 | $75,988 | $116,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Manly With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manly
What is the population of Manly, IA?
The population of Manly, IA is 1,288 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Manly?
The median household income in Manly, IA is $67,083 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manly?
The median home value in Manly, IA is $110,900, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manly?
The median monthly rent in Manly, IA is $701, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manly?
The unemployment rate in Manly, IA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Manly, IA a good place to live?
Manly offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,288 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Manly, IA?
20.7% of residents in Manly 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 Manly?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manly, IA: median home value is $110,900 (55% below national), median rent is $701/month, and median household income is $67,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Manly?
The poverty rate in Manly, IA is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Manly, IA?
Manly's population is 5.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.