Manawa, WI
Population 1,317 · Wisconsin
About Manawa, WI
Manawa is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 1,317 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,432 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.3 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 Manawa features a median home value of $146,200, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Manawa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $817, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 691 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (402 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (271 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manawa shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Manawa have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Manawa 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 3.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Manawa, WI
Compared to national averages, Manawa has a median household income of $79,432 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,200, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $817 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Manawa's income is 9% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 29% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Manawa, WI?
Manawa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,432, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $146,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $817/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Manawa has a population of 1,317 with a median age of 51.3 years. Compare Manawa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Manawa
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Bluff | 1,319 | $180,972 | $838,800 | Compare |
| Theresa | 1,320 | $70,959 | $160,000 | Compare |
| Big Bend | 1,311 | $136,042 | $293,900 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 1,324 | $63,750 | $146,600 | Compare |
| Shullsburg | 1,310 | $58,500 | $130,700 | Compare |
| Cornell | 1,331 | $60,667 | $142,100 | Compare |
| Gillett | 1,333 | $55,323 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Lauderdale Lakes | 1,337 | $83,698 | $313,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Manawa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manawa
What is the population of Manawa, WI?
The population of Manawa, WI is 1,317 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Manawa?
The median household income in Manawa, WI is $79,432 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manawa?
The median home value in Manawa, WI is $146,200, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manawa?
The median monthly rent in Manawa, WI is $817, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manawa?
The unemployment rate in Manawa, WI is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Manawa, WI a good place to live?
Manawa offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,317 and a median age of 51.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Manawa, WI?
16.0% of residents in Manawa 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 Manawa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manawa, WI: median home value is $146,200 (40% below national), median rent is $817/month, and median household income is $79,432. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Manawa?
The poverty rate in Manawa, WI is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Manawa, WI?
Manawa's population is 3.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.