In 1877, the Burlington/Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad (BCR&N) joined the Central of Iowa track with its own track from Plymouth Junction. The site was named Manly Junction after Central of Iowa's freight agent, J.C. Manly.
As of 2025 the population of Manly is 1,220. The population is expected to shrink to 1,199 by 2030 - a growth rate of -0.35%.
The median age of Manly residents is 42.
The diversity index of Manly is 19.4, meaning that there is a 19% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Manly is $88,973 and projected to be $96,032 in 2030. Per capita income is $37,238, projected to be $40,412 in 2030. 1.15% of households – 14 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $686,582 and the average disposable income is $67,781.
There are 593 housing units in Manly; 397 are owner-occupied, 113 are rented, and 83 are vacant. The average home value is $220,655, with 17 homes built in 2010 or later, and 201 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 47 businesses in Manly, employing 370 workers and pulling from a labor force of 741 age 16 and above. 551 workers commute into Manly from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
190 residents both live and work in/around Manly. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 14.21% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 5.79% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 627 drive alone, 63 carpool, and 0 take public transportation. 14 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 37 residents work from home.
328 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 196 have associates degrees, 145 have bachelor’s degrees, and 28 hold a graduate or professional degree.
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