<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000895417
<NAME> MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                           6,086
<SECURITIES>                                    10,302
<RECEIVABLES>                                      855
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                48,187
<PP&E>                                         577,196
<DEPRECIATION>                                (67,555)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 557,828
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           29,962
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                           246
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     257,957
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   557,828
<SALES>                                         75,690
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                78,005
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   30,324
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 2,955
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              12,265
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 20,368
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             18,349
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    18,349
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .74
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .74