Manistee, MI
Population 6,275 · Michigan
About Manistee, MI
Manistee is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 6,275 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,315 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Manistee features a median home value of $144,400, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Manistee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $771, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,577 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (2,056 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (742 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manistee shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Manistee have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Manistee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Manistee, MI
Compared to national averages, Manistee has a median household income of $59,315 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,400, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $771 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Manistee's income is 10% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 21% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Manistee, MI?
Manistee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $771/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,315) that falls below the national average. However, Manistee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Manistee has a population of 6,275 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Manistee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Manistee
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Woods | 6,322 | $188,229 | $470,600 | Compare |
| New Haven | 6,341 | $68,203 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Ishpeming | 6,173 | $52,717 | $109,200 | Compare |
| Lake Fenton | 6,168 | $112,676 | $372,800 | Compare |
| Rockford | 6,162 | $100,156 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Milford | 6,467 | $102,521 | $348,600 | Compare |
| Northville | 6,080 | $143,875 | $455,100 | Compare |
| Milan | 6,070 | $93,016 | $233,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Manistee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manistee
What is the population of Manistee, MI?
The population of Manistee, MI is 6,275 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Manistee?
The median household income in Manistee, MI is $59,315 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manistee?
The median home value in Manistee, MI is $144,400, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manistee?
The median monthly rent in Manistee, MI is $771, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manistee?
The unemployment rate in Manistee, MI is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Manistee, MI a good place to live?
Manistee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,275 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Manistee, MI?
21.6% of residents in Manistee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Manistee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manistee, MI: median home value is $144,400 (41% below national), median rent is $771/month, and median household income is $59,315. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Manistee?
The poverty rate in Manistee, MI is 14.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Manistee, MI?
Manistee's population is 2.2% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.