Manitowoc, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
34,620
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,757/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,506
1.4% year-over-year change

Manitowoc population

How many people live in Manitowoc

Manitowoc is home to 34,620 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Manitowoc locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
34,620
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
17,209
Female
50.3%
17,411
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,209 49.7% -0.9%
Female 17,411 50.3% 1.3%
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 is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.8% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.8%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,816 16.8% -4.1%
15 to 24 3,823 11% -1.4%
25 to 44 8,397 24.2% 5.3%
45 to 64 9,092 26.3% 0.5%
Over 65 7,492 21.6% -1.2%
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, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.5% are African American and 4.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 33,076 95.5% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 831 2.4% -9.0%
Non-citizens 713 2.1% -10.7%
Racial breakdown
White
84.6%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 29,274 84.6%
Black or African American 515 1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0.1%
Asian 1,633 4.7%
Two or more races 2,505 7.2%
Other 670 1.9%

Households in Manitowoc

A peek inside Manitowoc households

Manitowoc has 15,094 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.6% are families, while the remaining 41.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,094
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,245
Family households
8,849
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,245 41.4% -0.6%
Family households 8,849 58.6% 3.2%
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

The housing landscape of Manitowoc

Manitowoc's housing consists of 16,506 units, with 61.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% 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 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,506
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,216 61.9%
1 unit, attached 630 3.8%
2 units 1,911 11.6%
3 or 4 units 558 3.4%
5 to 9 units 912 5.5%
10 to 19 units 935 5.7%
20 to 49 units 471 2.8%
50 or more units 434 2.6%
Mobile home 439 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
83
84.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Manitowoc

In Manitowoc, the median construction year is 1959. About 30.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,961 30.1% -4.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,545 9.4% 27.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,944 11.8% -9.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,252 7.6% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,949 11.8% -1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,073 6.5% 3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,759 10.7% 4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,289 7.8% 8.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 651 3.9% 16.5%
Built in 2020 or later 83 0.5% 84.4%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 15,094 occupied housing units in Manitowoc, 67.6% are owner-occupied, while 32.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,094
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,896
Owner occupied
10,198
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,896 32.4% -4.1%
Owner occupied 10,198 67.6% 4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Manitowoc come to a median of $834 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $804.

Median housing costs per month
$834/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
$804/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

Manitowoc education at a glance

About 42.2% of the population in Manitowoc went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 16.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 970 3.5% 19.8%
High school diploma 11,608 42.2% -2.3%
College diploma 5,681 20.6% 2.5%
Associate degree 2,944 10.7% 7.8%
Bachelor's degree 4,569 16.6% 5.7%
Graduate degree 1,754 6.4% -3.2%
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

How much people earn in Manitowoc

The average annual household income in Manitowoc was $81,512 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,757, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Manitowoc
$81,512/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Manitowoc
$63,757/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Manitowoc income by age

In Manitowoc, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,216. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,096 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,746, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,596 in earnings. Overall, 87.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,746 3.1%
25 - 44 $69,216 3.1%
45 - 64 $74,096 -0.4%
Over 65 $51,596 10.2%
Above poverty level
29,089
Below poverty level
4,198
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,089 87.4% 1.0%
Below poverty level 4,198 12.6% -8.7%

Average renter income in Manitowoc

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Manitowoc, their median household income was $36,489 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,489
Rent-to-income ratio
26.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Manitowoc

Workforce and job types in Manitowoc

The job market in Manitowoc is powered by 16,661 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 74.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,661
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
10,774
Blue collar
5,887
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,774 64.7% -0.3%
Blue collar 5,887 35.3% 7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
74.7%
Governmental workers
9.4%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,087 6.5% 8.5%
Private companies 12,453 74.7% 1.0%
Governmental workers 1,562 9.4% 14.3%
Not for profit companies 1,559 9.4% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
42.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Manitowoc stands at 3.7%, 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

How people get around in Manitowoc

In Manitowoc, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
3.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,600 88.7% 3.2%
Taxicab 12 0.1% -29.4%
Bus or trolleybus 153 0.9% 8.5%
Motorcycle 41 0.2% 127.8%
Bicycle 32 0.2% -52.2%
Walk 531 3.2% -22.7%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54220 40,949 17,670 $66,035 $85,176

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FAQs about Manitowoc demographics 

What is the total population of Manitowoc?

Manitowoc has a total population of 34,620 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Manitowoc?

The gender ratio in Manitowoc is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (17,209 residents)
  • 50.3% females (17,411 residents)

What is the median age in Manitowoc?

The median age in Manitowoc is 42.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Manitowoc?

The age distribution in Manitowoc is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.8% (5,816 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (3,823 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (8,397 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (9,092 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (7,492 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Manitowoc?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Manitowoc is as follows:
  • White: 84.6% (29,274 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (515 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 4.7% (1,633 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (2,505 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (670 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Manitowoc.

How many housing units are there in Manitowoc?

There are 16,506 housing units in Manitowoc, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Manitowoc has a total of 15,094 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Manitowoc?

Manitowoc has a median household income of $63,757, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.3% in Manitowoc, with a workforce of 16,661 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.7% (10,774 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.3% (5,887 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (1,087 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.7% (12,453 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.4% (1,562 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (1,559 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