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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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 15.6% of the population. With 81,314 residents, Manitowoc County is a county in Wisconsin. It ranks #21 among counties in Wisconsin by population.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $68,611 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.3%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $172,900, with typical rent around $777.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 7.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 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
Manitowoc County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.