Manistee County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in Michigan
The population of Manistee County, Michigan is 25,247 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $60,879, the median home value is $166,600, and the median age is 50.3.
The population of Manistee County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (24,587 → 25,519), a +0.27% annualized rate.
25,247
Population
+0.27%
Annual growth
47
People / sq mi
$60,879
Median Income
$166,600
Median Home Value
Manistee County covers 542 sq mi of land at 46.6 people per square mile.
About Manistee County, MI
Homeownership is the standout figure in Manistee County: 85.9% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Manistee County is a county in Michigan with a population of 25,247.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,879 — below the US median of $78,538. About 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $166,600, with typical rent around $820.
Roughly 23.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 10.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Manistee County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Manistee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Manistee County had a population of 24,587 in 2010 and 25,519 in 2024, a 3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,519 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.27%.
25,519
Population (2024)
24,587
Population (2010)
25,519
Peak (2024)
0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,587 |
| 2011 | 24,776 |
| 2012 | 24,675 |
| 2013 | 24,484 |
| 2014 | 24,415 |
| 2015 | 24,462 |
| 2016 | 24,452 |
| 2017 | 24,406 |
| 2018 | 24,479 |
| 2019 | 24,619 |
| 2020 | 25,070 |
| 2021 | 25,340 |
| 2022 | 25,334 |
| 2023 | 25,485 |
| 2024 | 25,519 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.3% |
| Black or African American | 3.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.3
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
27.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.4% · Seniors (65+): 27.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,879$-10,270 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,133 |
| Per-capita income | $34,636 |
| Poverty rate | 7.4%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Manistee County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
10.3%
Work from home
21.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$166,600$-51,000 vs state
Median home value
$820
Median rent
85.9%
Homeownership rate
15,631
Total housing units
66.0%
Occupied
34.0%
Vacant
14.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.8%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
18.3%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
19.3%
With a disability
96.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.3%
High School+
23.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Manistee County, Michigan has a population of 25,247 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 47 people per square mile.
The population of Manistee County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (24,587 → 25,519), a +0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Manistee County, Michigan is $60,879, with mean (average) household income of $81,133 and per-capita income of $34,636. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Manistee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.3%), Black or African American (3.4%), Hispanic or Latino (3.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Manistee County, Michigan is 50.3 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Manistee County is $166,600 and median monthly rent is $820. 85.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,631 total housing units, 34.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Manistee County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Manistee County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Manistee County, MI Climate
Manistee County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 841 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.7°C
Avg Temp
841
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 55 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 38 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 51 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 69 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 64 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 84 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 66 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 92 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 104 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 82 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 73 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 63 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Manistee County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Manistee County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Manistee County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.