Manitowoc County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
81,406
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,148/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
38,084
0.3% year-over-year change

Manitowoc County population

How many people live in Manitowoc County

Manitowoc County is home to 81,406 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Manitowoc County locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
81,406
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
41,079
Female
49.5%
40,327
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,079 50.5% 0.2%
Female 40,327 49.5% 0.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Manitowoc County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 27.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
27.9%
Over 65
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,271 16.3% -1.4%
15 to 24 9,052 11.1% 0.2%
25 to 44 18,236 22.4% 0.6%
45 to 64 22,729 27.9% -1.3%
Over 65 18,118 22.3% 2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Manitowoc County, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 78,603 96.6% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,504 1.8% -4.9%
Non-citizens 1,299 1.6% -13.5%
Racial breakdown
White
88.3%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 71,911 88.3%
Black or African American 620 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 172 0.2%
Asian 1,964 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 90 0.1%
Two or more races 5,324 6.5%
Other 1,325 1.6%

Households in Manitowoc County

A peek inside Manitowoc County households

Manitowoc County has 35,188 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.6% are families, while the remaining 37.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
35,188
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,146
Family households
22,042
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,146 37.4% -0.2%
Family households 22,042 62.6% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Manitowoc County

The housing landscape of Manitowoc County

Manitowoc County's housing consists of 38,084 units, with 73.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
38,084
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27,976 73.5%
1 unit, attached 1,029 2.7%
2 units 2,963 7.8%
3 or 4 units 950 2.5%
5 to 9 units 1,312 3.4%
10 to 19 units 1,283 3.4%
20 to 49 units 820 2.2%
50 or more units 489 1.3%
Mobile home 1,259 3.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
240
101.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Manitowoc County

In Manitowoc County, the median construction year is 1964. About 28.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,946 28.7% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,606 6.8% 18.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,063 10.7% -5.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,329 8.7% -2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,251 13.8% -0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,504 6.6% -3.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,285 11.2% 3.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,333 8.8% 5.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,527 4% 6.1%
Built in 2020 or later 240 0.6% 101.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Manitowoc County occupancy rates

Out of the 35,188 occupied housing units in Manitowoc County, 77.1% are owner-occupied, while 22.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
35,188
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,059
Owner occupied
27,129
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,059 22.9% -2.9%
Owner occupied 27,129 77.1% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Manitowoc County housing costs

Housing costs in Manitowoc County come to a median of $861 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $797.

Median housing costs per month
$861/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Manitowoc County
$797/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Manitowoc County

Manitowoc County education at a glance

About 42.3% of the population in Manitowoc County went to high school, while 21.3% pursued college studies. Another 12.1% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,849 2.8% 13.6%
High school diploma 27,459 42.3% -2.7%
College diploma 13,811 21.3% 3.0%
Associate degree 7,836 12.1% 2.6%
Bachelor's degree 10,052 15.5% 2.0%
Graduate degree 3,907 6% 0.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Manitowoc County

How much people earn in Manitowoc County

The average annual household income in Manitowoc County was $87,528 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,148, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Manitowoc County
$87,528/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Manitowoc County
$69,148/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Manitowoc County income by age

In Manitowoc County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,940. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,769 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $42,421, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,992 in earnings. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $42,421 2.5%
25 - 44 $80,940 4.8%
45 - 64 $84,769 -1.5%
Over 65 $52,992 6.7%
Above poverty level
71,871
Below poverty level
7,585
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 71,871 90.4% 0.1%
Below poverty level 7,585 9.6% -2.3%

Employment in Manitowoc County

Workforce and job types in Manitowoc County

The job market in Manitowoc County is powered by 40,375 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
40,375
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
25,745
Blue collar
14,630
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,745 63.8% -0.9%
Blue collar 14,630 36.2% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,458 8.6% 1.8%
Private companies 29,476 73% -1.1%
Governmental workers 3,980 9.9% 10.0%
Not for profit companies 3,461 8.6% -2.5%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
26.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Manitowoc County stands at 2.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Manitowoc County

How people get around in Manitowoc County

In Manitowoc County, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
2.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 34,902 87.7% -0.3%
Taxicab 43 0.1% 16.2%
Bus or trolleybus 216 0.5% 18.0%
Motorcycle 81 0.2% 11.0%
Bicycle 100 0.2% -18.0%
Walk 1,142 2.9% -16.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Manitowoc County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53042 6,810 2,800 $86,389 $99,879
53063 1,578 624 $100,000 $110,313
53014 7,898 3,496 $79,865 $95,911
53015 2,751 1,042 $88,810 $97,819
54220 40,949 17,670 $66,035 $85,176
54227 1,621 684 $87,500 $96,590
54110 5,591 2,195 $73,685 $98,075
54207 176 71 $58,125 $72,732
54208 6,231 2,333 $95,509 $110,231
54214 436 270 $87,500 $75,368

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Manitowoc County demographics 

What is the total population of Manitowoc County?

Manitowoc County has a total population of 81,406 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Manitowoc County?

The gender ratio in Manitowoc County is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (41,079 residents)
  • 49.5% females (40,327 residents)

What is the median age in Manitowoc County?

The median age in Manitowoc County is 45.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Manitowoc County?

The age distribution in Manitowoc County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (13,271 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (9,052 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (18,236 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.9% (22,729 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.3% (18,118 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Manitowoc County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Manitowoc County is as follows:
  • White: 88.3% (71,911 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (620 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (172 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (1,964 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (90 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.5% (5,324 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (1,325 residents)

What percentage of the population in Manitowoc County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Manitowoc County.

How many housing units are there in Manitowoc County?

There are 38,084 housing units in Manitowoc County, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Manitowoc County and what is the average household size?

Manitowoc County has a total of 35,188 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Manitowoc County?

Manitowoc County has a median household income of $69,148, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Manitowoc County?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Manitowoc County, with a workforce of 40,375 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.8% (25,745 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.2% (14,630 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (3,458 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (29,476 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (3,980 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (3,461 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025