Median Income
$70,893
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,800
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
685/100K
80% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.4%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$656
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Manson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,653
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density510/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,893
Per Capita$35,687
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$560M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,800
Rent$656
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$139,088
Housing Units893
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent685/100K
Property4,979/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking14.2%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,227 ft (374 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.4%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute21 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is Manson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Manson receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Manson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Manson is $70,893, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Manson is $118,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $656 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 685 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,979 per 100,000, 154% above the national average.
Education
26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Manson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Manson has a population of 1,653 with a density of 510 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Manson is $70,893, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,687. The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 325 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,893 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,687 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,557 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 325 |
| County GDP | $560M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Manson is $118,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,088, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $656 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 893 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,088 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $656 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 893 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Manson, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416. The dentist ratio is 1:2,431. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Manson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,416 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,619/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Manson has a violent crime rate of 685 per 100,000 residents, 80% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,979 per 100,000, 154% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Manson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Manson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 685.0/100K |
| 80% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,978.8/100K |
| 154% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Manson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 38.8 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 1,227 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,227 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 510/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5286°N, 94.5401°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
57 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
614 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 426 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
79 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
12 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Manson has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Manson. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $441 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Manson
What is the population of Manson?
Manson has a population of 1,653 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 510 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Manson expensive to live in?
Manson 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 $70,893, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $656 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Manson safe?
Public safety is a concern in Manson, with a violent crime rate of 685 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,979 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Manson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Manson?
Manson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches, with 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Manson?
Manson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 325 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Manson?
The median home value in Manson is $118,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,088. For renters, the median monthly rent is $656. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Manson?
Schools in Manson score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.4% of adults in Manson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Manson?
The obesity rate in Manson is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416.
What is transportation like in Manson?
The average commute in Manson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Manson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Manson is 96.3% White. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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