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Population Review

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in Wisconsin

The population of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is 81,314 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $68,611, the median home value is $172,900, and the median age is 45.0.

The population of Manitowoc County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (81,330 → 81,513), a +0.02% annualized rate.

Manitowoc County within Wisconsin · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

81,314

Population

+0.02%

Annual growth

138

People / sq mi

$68,611

Median Income

$172,900

Median Home Value

Manitowoc County covers 589 sq mi of land at 138.0 people per square mile.

About Manitowoc County, WI

Manitowoc County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 81,314. It ranks #21 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 45.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The median household income in Manitowoc County is $68,611, below the US median of $74,580. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $172,900, with monthly rent averaging $777. The homeownership rate of 76.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Manitowoc County reflects 22.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.9 minutes each way.

Manitowoc County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Manitowoc County had a population of 81,330 in 2010 and 81,513 in 2024, a 0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 81,526 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.02%.

2021 · 82K20102024

81,513

Population (2024)

81,330

Population (2010)

81,526

Peak (2021)

0.02%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201081,330
201181,035
201280,720
201380,487
201479,950
201579,488
201679,363
201779,056
201878,925
201978,785
202081,412
202181,526
202281,256
202381,325
202481,513

Race & Ethnicity

White89.8%
Black or African American0.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

45.0

Median Age

49.6%

Female

50.4%

Male

21.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.0%
5–9
5.5%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
5.1%
25–34
10.6%
35–44
11.7%
45–54
12.0%
55–59
8.2%
60–64
8.1%
65–74
12.9%
75–84
6.6%
85+
2.3%

Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$68,611$-7,059 vs state
Mean household income$86,730
Per-capita income$37,639
Poverty rate6.3%-0.3% vs state
Unemployment rate1.3%
Employment-to-population60.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Manufacturing
29.5%
Professional & business services
18.9%
Education & health care
6.9%
Construction
6.6%
Finance & real estate
5.9%
Retail trade
4.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.4%
Agriculture
4.3%

The largest employment sector in Manitowoc County is manufacturing, accounting for 29.5% of workers.

How residents commute

0.5%

Drive alone

3.4%

Carpool

81.1%

Public transit

7.3%

Work from home

19.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$172,900$-74,500 vs state

Median home value

$777

Median rent

76.3%

Homeownership rate

37,960

Total housing units

92.3%

Occupied

7.7%

Vacant

23.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.6%

With health insurance

91.4%

With broadband internet

15.6%

Foreign-born

8.3%

Veterans (18+)

13.1%

With a disability

94.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.3%

High School+

22.2%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Other counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin has a population of 81,314 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 138 people per square mile.

The population of Manitowoc County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (81,330 → 81,513), a +0.02% annualized rate.

The median household income in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is $68,611, with mean (average) household income of $86,730 and per-capita income of $37,639. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Manitowoc County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is 45.0 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

The median home value in Manitowoc County is $172,900 and median monthly rent is $777. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 37,960 total housing units, 7.7% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is manufacturing, employing 29.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.

Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.