Location: Worth County, IA | Metro: Cerro Gordo County, IA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $930 | $112,125 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $164,026 | 0.78% | D |
| 4BR | $1,310 | $215,466 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 50456, located in Manly, IA within the Worth County, IA metro, presents an interesting case for real estate analysis. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $920. However, the actual market rent in ZIP 50456 stands at $756, indicating that it is below the metro average. This suggests that Manly, IA could be considered a value pocket within the metro, offering lower rents compared to what might be expected.
The median home value in ZIP 50456 is $152,071, which is also below the typical home values seen in other parts of Worth County. This further supports the notion that it is a value pocket, providing affordability for both renters and homeowners alike. The lower home values combined with a higher-than-average renter share of 28.1% can be indicative of a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investors. Typically, areas with a significant portion of renters and relatively low home values can attract more rental assistance tenants, thus potentially increasing the demand for affordable rental properties.
To summarize, ZIP code 50456 in Manly, IA, is positioned as a value pocket within the Worth County, IA metro. Its market rent of $756 is below the metro's FMR of $920, and its median home value of $152,071 is also on the lower side. With a 28.1% renter share, it stands out as a location where landlords and small-portfolio investors might find opportunities to serve a higher concentration of rental assistance tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.