Median Income
$58,578
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,500
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.2%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$743
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Manchester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,144
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density1,043/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,578
Per Capita$37,998
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$1,257M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,500
Rent$743
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$218,987
Housing Units2,493
Rent Burden31.7%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property1,735/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault161/100K
Burglary343/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking19.7%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation940 ft (287 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.2%
High School+88.6%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score6.17
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute13 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Manchester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Manchester receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Manchester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Manchester is $58,578, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Manchester is $130,500, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Manchester is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,735 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Manchester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches, including 34.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Manchester has a population of 5,144 with a density of 1,043 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Manchester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Manchester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Manchester is $58,578, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,998. The average weekly wage is $1,025, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 606 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Manchester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,578 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,998 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,025 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,955 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 606 |
| County GDP | $1,257M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,125 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Manchester is $130,500, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,987, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $743 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,493 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,125 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,500 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,987 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $743 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,493 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,125 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Manchester, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.2% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,189. The dentist ratio is 1:1,952. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Manchester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,189 |
| Dentists | 1:1,952 |
| Mental Health | 1:733 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,094/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Manchester has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 161.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 40.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,735 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,271, burglary at 343, vehicle theft at 121 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Manchester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Manchester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 201.7/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 40.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 161.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,734.6/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| Burglary | 342.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,270.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 121.0/100K |
| Arson | 20.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Manchester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. The area receives 34.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 940 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 940 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,043/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4853°N, 91.4561°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Delaware County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
578 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 429 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
44 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Manchester has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Manchester. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $696 |
| Toddler | $599 |
| Preschool | $599 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $457 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester
What is the population of Manchester?
Manchester has a population of 5,144 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,043 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Manchester expensive to live in?
Manchester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,578, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,500 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Manchester safe?
Manchester is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,735 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Manchester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Manchester?
Manchester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches, with 34.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Manchester?
The job market in Manchester is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,025. There are 606 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Manchester?
The median home value in Manchester is $130,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,987. For renters, the median monthly rent is $743. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,125.
How are the schools in Manchester?
Schools in Manchester score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.2% of adults in Manchester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Manchester?
The obesity rate in Manchester is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,189.
What is transportation like in Manchester?
The average commute in Manchester is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Manchester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Manchester is 94.6% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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