Like many other states in the Midwest, Iowa's manufactured home market has seen a significant increase in the number of customers looking for affordable housing. Over the last five years, Iowa has seen a 40% increase in the number of manufactured homes purchased.

Despite of the fact that there are no production facilities in the state, buyers in areas like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport still have access to a variety of manufactured home builders. This is largely due in part to the expansive sales networks of many home builders, which allows them to serve the entirety of the Hawkeye State.

Choosing the right mobile home builder in Iowa is an important decision that can impact the quality and cost of your home. To help you learn what options are available to you and then make the best choice possible, we've compiled a list of the best mobile home builders in the state. Below, you'll find information about each company's products and operations, along with estimated costs and links to further information. Keep reading to find out more about the top mobile home builders in Iowa.

Best Manufactured Home Builders in Iowa

Manufactured Housing Enterprises - (Bryan, Ohio)
Manufactured Housing Enterprises is a manufactured home builder that is based in the Midwestern U.S. and focuses on manufactured homes, though they also have several models of modular homes. As such, they are able to build to both HUD manufactured and local modular building codes. And to buy a house, individuals can work with their central manufacturing location and homes are then shipped to the final project site.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Manufactured Housing Enterprises: $75 - $127 per square foot
For additional information, see our our guide on where to buy a Manufactured Housing Enterprises manufactured house.

Clayton Homes - (Maryville, Tennessee)
Clayton Homes is one of the biggest home designers, builders, and distributors of manufactured homes in the U.S. They specialize in a range of manufactured housing products for buyers across the U.S. This includes over 175 different floor plans, with home sizes ranging from 832 to 2,432 square feet. And while they are unable to accommodate custom designs, individuals can work with one of Clayton Homes' lone retailer in Iowa, though they have many more retailers for individuals close to the Nebraska or Minnesota borders to determine options for personalization.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Clayton Homes: $100 - $200 per square foot.

Commodore Homes - (Elkhart, Indiana)
Commodore Homes is a Indiana-based manufactured home designer and builder with a distribution network throughout the Midwestern United States. They offer over 800 different floor plans, with both smaller and larger homes available (up to 2,848 square feet). While they are unable to accommodate custom designs, individuals can work with one of Commodore Homes' 2 sales centers to determine personalization options.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Commodore Homes: $119 - $147 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Commodore Homes floor plans with cost information or our guide on where to buy a Commodore Homes manufactured house.

Fairmont Homes - (Nappanee, Indiana)
Fairmont Homes is another Indiana-based manufactured home builder that operates in the surrounding area. In Iowa, Fairmont Homes sells their houses by way of a network of 3 retail locations, 2 of which are located nearby to the Illinois border. Architecturally, their homes tend to focus on traditional designs. Though, with over 85 floor plans to choose from, there are several home types to choose from.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Fairmont Homes: $144 - $158 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Fairmont Homes floor plans with cost information or our guide on where to buy a Fairmont Homes manufactured house.

Champion Home Builders - (Troy, Michigan)
Champion Home Builders is a Michigan-based manufactured home builder though they operate across the United States. In Iowa, Champion Home Builders has a network of 5+ retailers which buyers can work with to purchase a home. Architecturally, their homes tend to focus on traditional, ranch-inspired designs. Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Champion Home Builders: $115 - $260 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Champion Home Builders floor plans with cost information

Comparing Iowa’s Manufactured Home Builders

		Manufactured Housing Enterprises	Clayton Homes	Commodore Homes	Fairmont Homes	Champion Home Builders	Clayton Homes
Year Founded		1965	1956	1952	1971	1953	1956
# of Homes Built		40,000	100,000+	20,000+	30,000	1,700,000+	100,000+
# of Floor Plans		55	175+	801	88	2,000+	175+
Average Cost		$75 - $127+ per sqft	$100 - $200+ per sqft	$119 - $147+ per sqft	$144 - $158+ per sqft	$115 - $260+ per sqft	$100 - $200+ per sqft
# of In-State Retail Locations		0	1	2	3	5+	1
Reviews	Yelp	No Reviews	No Reviews	1 Star	1 Star	1.5 Stars	No Reviews
Reviews	Google	No Reviews	No Reviews	1 Star	1 Star	4.1 Stars	No Reviews

*For additional information on each manufacturer, see our complete company review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a manufactured home in Iowa?

According to a Census Bureau survey in 2021, the average cost of a manufactured home in Iowa was $90,700. Based on recent price increases in the Midwestern U.S, however, this number is likely to be around $85,028 for a single-wide and $158,688 for a double-wide manufactured home in 2023.

What is the difference between a manufactured home and a mobile home in Iowa?

A manufactured home and a mobile home in Iowa are the same in terms of their construction. The only difference is based on when they were built. Homes constructed to HUD standards before June 15, 1976, are classified as mobile homes, while homes built after that date are called manufactured homes.

What is the difference between a modular and manufactured home in Iowa?

While the terms may sound interchangeable, there is a significant difference between a modular and manufactured home in Iowa. Manufactured homes must comply with national building codes set by the HUD, while modular homes in Iowa must adhere to the same building codes as traditional site-built homes. This difference in codes can impact the home's overall value and financing options, making it essential to understand when making a purchasing decision.

What are alternative options to working with the Iowa manufactured home builders above?

While the Iowa manufactured home builders mentioned earlier are excellent options, there are other ways to build a new home in Iowa. In addition to site-built homes, prefab construction options like modular homes in Iowa, container homes in Iowa, and tiny homes in Iowa offer affordable, time-efficient construction alternatives.