RANK #667 / 1001 NAT · #26 / 29 WI · POP 81,406
1YR FORECAST: +2.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
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.
Manitowoc County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.1% matches the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.3x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Manitowoc County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
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 1001 counties.
At 33/100, Manitowoc County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $69,148 combined with job growth of -1.1% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
By national standards, Manitowoc County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $186,900, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $797/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Manitowoc County's job market is contracting (-1.1% YoY) while population is roughly stable (+0.1% change). Home values are +5.1% over the past 12 months. Hiring headwinds without an offsetting exodus — residents are staying, but local employers are shedding payroll.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.47% 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 +5.1% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Manitowoc County is now valued at $186,900. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.