Manitowoc, WI
Population 34,553 · Wisconsin
About Manitowoc, WI
Manitowoc is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 34,553 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,133 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Manitowoc features a median home value of $143,900, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Manitowoc one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $787, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,278 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (9,754 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (5,105 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manitowoc shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Manitowoc have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.8% of Manitowoc residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Manitowoc Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Manitowoc, WI
Compared to national averages, Manitowoc has a median household income of $62,133 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,900, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $787 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Manitowoc's income is 14% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 30% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Manitowoc, WI?
Manitowoc offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $787/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,133) that falls below the national average. However, Manitowoc’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Manitowoc has a population of 34,553 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Manitowoc with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Manitowoc
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | 35,751 | $108,342 | $343,400 | Compare |
| Sun Prairie | 36,455 | $90,521 | $339,800 | Compare |
| Oak Creek | 36,473 | $93,120 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Beloit | 36,554 | $59,975 | $133,500 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 37,361 | $69,016 | $247,800 | Compare |
| West Bend | 31,722 | $75,043 | $244,500 | Compare |
| Fitchburg | 31,566 | $85,420 | $389,400 | Compare |
| Menomonee Falls | 38,963 | $98,460 | $341,600 | 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 Manitowoc With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manitowoc
What is the population of Manitowoc, WI?
The population of Manitowoc, WI is 34,553 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Manitowoc?
The median household income in Manitowoc, WI is $62,133 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manitowoc?
The median home value in Manitowoc, WI is $143,900, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manitowoc?
The median monthly rent in Manitowoc, WI is $787, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manitowoc?
The unemployment rate in Manitowoc, WI is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Manitowoc, WI a good place to live?
Manitowoc offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 34,553 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Manitowoc, WI?
23.8% of residents in Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manitowoc, WI: median home value is $143,900 (41% below national), median rent is $787/month, and median household income is $62,133. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Manitowoc?
The poverty rate in Manitowoc, WI is 13.8%, 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 Manitowoc, WI?
Manitowoc's population is 4.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.