RANK #77 / 996 NAT · #11 / 29 WI · POP 81,242
1YR FORECAST: +5.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, known for its maritime heritage and agricultural output, sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline, roughly halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay. The city of Manitowoc, the county seat, is recognized as an American World War II Heritage City due to its significant submarine building contributions during the war. The county offers diverse outdoor recreation, from Lake Michigan beaches and access points to numerous parks, recreational trails like the Mariners Trail, and opportunities for kayaking and fishing on the Manitowoc River. Commuting within the county is facilitated by Maritime Metro Transit's fixed bus routes in Manitowoc and Two Rivers, with specialized transportation services also available.
Life in Manitowoc County is characterized by a strong sense of community and a lower cost of living compared to national averages, making it an option for families and retirees. The local economy, historically rooted in shipbuilding and agriculture, particularly dairy production, has diversified. While manufacturing remains a significant employer, the county has seen growth in healthcare, education, retail, and food industries. Educational institutions like Lakeshore Technical College and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay-Manitowoc contribute to workforce development. Recent economic efforts have focused on retaining and growing existing businesses, attracting new talent, and fostering innovation.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.2x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Two Creeks Solar Park
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) & Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E)
|
$195M | Operating |
|
FedEx Distribution Center
FedEx / Setzer Properties
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing Vits Drive Facility
Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing (MTM)
|
$50M | Completed |
|
River Point District Development
City of Manitowoc
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Bayshore Mixed Use Development
Various (BayCare Clinic, Community First Credit Union, Angelus Senior Living, Rivers Edge Apartments)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Manitowoc County ranks #77 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 92/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.8% and a median household income of $66,412 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Manitowoc County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $160,400, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.41 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $747/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Manitowoc County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs +0.8%. Home values shifted +6.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.43% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Manitowoc County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +6.0% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Manitowoc County is now valued at $160,400. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.