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
Manistee County is a county in Michigan with a population of 25,247. It ranks #58 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 50.3, older than the national median. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.
The median household income in Manistee County is $60,879, below the US median of $74,580. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $166,600, with monthly rent averaging $820. The homeownership rate of 85.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Manistee County reflects 23.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.5 minutes each way.
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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.