52.7
County Score
Health 82.6Soil Quality 70.4Income & Jobs 63.4

County Report Card

About Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

Manitowoc Above the National Mark

Manitowoc County earns a 52.7 composite score, beating the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced community with many vital services.

Outperforming the State Average

At 52.7, the county ranks higher than the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It serves as a stable and reliable economic center for the lakeshore region.

Exceptional Health and Stability

The county boasts an elite health score of 82.6. Economic stability is also high, with a $68,611 median income and a 63.4 income score.

Environmental Risk and Taxes

Environmental risk factors lead to a low risk score of 31.1. Property taxes also remain high, with an effective rate of 1.538%.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Professionals

This county is perfect for healthcare workers and middle-class families. It offers a high standard of medical care and a steady local economy.

2040608010011.255.756.182.657.763.431.151.854.4Tax11.2Cost55.7Safety56.1Health82.6Schools57.7Income63.4Risk31.1Water51.8Weather54.452.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Manitowoc County DNA

Foverall

How Manitowoc County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Manitowoc County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (82.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (11.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.2-40.8
Cost
55.7
Safety
56.1
Health
82.6+32.599999999999994
Schools
57.7
Income
63.4+12.399999999999999
Risk
31.1-15.899999999999999
Water
51.8
Weather
54.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Manitowoc County?

Many homeowners in Manitowoc County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$777/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,611/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Manitowoc County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Manitowoc County

via TaxByCounty

Manitowoc taxes run moderately high

Manitowoc County's effective tax rate of 1.538% outpaces the national median of 1.209% by roughly a quarter, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. At $2,660 in median annual property tax, Manitowoc is nearly at the national median of $2,690, achieved on homes valued $108,000 below the national average at $172,900.

Above-average taxes for Wisconsin

Manitowoc ranks in the top third of Wisconsin's 72 counties by effective tax rate at 1.538%, notably above the state average of 1.436%. The median property tax of $2,660 falls below Wisconsin's state median of $3,081.

Higher rates than surrounding counties

Manitowoc's 1.538% rate exceeds all surrounding counties in the region except for Menominee (3.636%), running higher than Marathon (1.512%), Lincoln (1.424%), and Langlade (1.335%). The county sits firmly in the upper tax bracket for north-central Wisconsin.

Budget around $2,660 annually

On a median home value of $172,900, Manitowoc County homeowners pay approximately $2,660 in annual property taxes. The figure remains stable whether paying with or without a mortgage, at roughly $2,660 either way.

Assess your property value now

With Manitowoc's higher-than-average tax rate, it's especially important to ensure your assessment accurately reflects your home's value. Many homeowners qualify for successful assessment appeals that reduce their annual tax obligation by hundreds of dollars.

Cost of Living in Manitowoc County

via CostByCounty

Manitowoc holds the affordability line

Manitowoc County renters spend exactly 13.6% of their $68,611 median household income on $777 monthly rent, undercutting Wisconsin's state average of 14.9% and matching national affordability benchmarks. This Lake Michigan county offers genuine relief for renters navigating today's housing market.

Strong performer among Wisconsin counties

At 13.6%, Manitowoc's rent-to-income ratio places it in Wisconsin's upper-affordability tier, boosted by incomes slightly higher than Langlade or Marquette and rents that track below state average. Manitowoc consistently delivers value.

Slightly pricier but well-balanced

Manitowoc's $777 rent runs higher than Langlade ($737) or Lincoln ($768), yet its income-to-rent ratio of 13.6% ties Lincoln's and beats most other regional peers. The extra rental cost buys access to slightly stronger wages and more stable employment.

Modest difference between renting and owning

Renters pay $777 monthly (13.6% of income), while homeowners spend $884 monthly—roughly 15.4% of income—for median homes valued at $172,900. This narrow gap makes the renting-versus-buying decision less fraught than in many counties.

Wisconsin's steady-hand county

Manitowoc delivers consistency: moderate rents, stable incomes, and a 13.6% affordability ratio that beats the state by more than a point. Relocators seeking predictable, accessible housing should compare Manitowoc against its higher-cost Wisconsin neighbors.

Income & Jobs in Manitowoc County

via IncomeByCounty

Manitowoc trails national income average

Manitowoc County's median household income of $68,611 falls 8.3% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting Wisconsin's more modest income profile. The county's per-capita income of $37,639 is slightly below the state average, indicating concentrated earnings among households.

Close to Wisconsin average income

Manitowoc's $68,611 median ranks near Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, placing it in the middle of the state's economic range. The county's strong manufacturing heritage supports stable middle-class employment, though diversification remains limited.

Solid performer in the region

Manitowoc's $68,611 outpaces Marinette ($63,401) and Marquette ($63,471) but lags Marathon ($76,185) by about $7,500. The county's lakefront location and manufacturing base position it as a stable middle-income area within northeast Wisconsin.

Housing costs well-managed here

Manitowoc's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs comfortably below the 15% affordability benchmark, supporting solid homeownership economics. The median home value of $172,900 represents reasonable value for families earning the county median.

Build security through steady employment

Manitowoc's $68,611 median income and manufacturing-heavy employment base create stable conditions for long-term financial planning. Focus on employer-sponsored retirement plans and consider refinancing mortgages to capture savings that can boost wealth accumulation.

Safety in Manitowoc County

via CrimeByCounty

Manitowoc County Boasts Strong Safety Record

Manitowoc County maintains a total crime rate of 1,006.9 per 100,000 residents, less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This creates a high safety score of 98.4. Five reporting agencies consistently track data to keep the public informed.

Ranking Above the Wisconsin Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.4, Manitowoc County sits slightly above the Wisconsin average of 98.3. This ranking reflects a stable and secure environment for families and businesses. Local initiatives appear effective at keeping crime rates consistently low.

Safer than the Typical Wisconsin County

The county's total crime rate of 1,006.9 per 100,000 is better than the state average of 1,103.1. Manitowoc stands out as a more secure option compared to several regional neighbors. This lower incident rate is a key factor in the county's high quality of life.

Violent Crime Trends Lower in Manitowoc

Violent crime in Manitowoc is quite low at 135.4 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime makes up the majority of reported cases at 871.5 per 100,000 residents. Residents can feel confident that serious personal crimes are statistically rare.

Maintaining Security in Your Community

To keep property crime rates low, always lock vehicles and secure valuable outdoor equipment. Installing smart doorbells can provide a useful layer of deterrent for opportunistic thieves. Small actions by every homeowner help preserve Manitowoc’s reputation for safety.

Schools in Manitowoc County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

Manitowoc County supports 10,366 students through a network of 30 public schools. The infrastructure is diverse, including 14 elementary, six middle, and seven high schools across seven districts. This scale allows for significant variety in programs and extracurricular opportunities.

Strong Graduation Performance

The county's 91.2% graduation rate remains well above the national average of 87.0%. Educational investment is efficient at $7,654 per pupil, though this sits below the state average of $8,113. The overall school score of 55.6 reflects a consistent and reliable public education system.

Major Districts Serving the Lakeshore

The Manitowoc School District leads the county with 4,726 students, followed by Kiel Area and Two Rivers districts. Four charter schools operate here, making up over 13% of the total school landscape. These specialized options provide alternative curricula for families seeking different educational styles.

Town Vibrancy and Rural Stability

Twenty schools are located in town locales, while 10 campuses serve the county's rural residents. Lincoln High in Manitowoc is the largest institution, hosting 1,484 students. Average school size is 346 students, offering a more comprehensive school experience than many neighboring counties.

The Lakeshore Lifestyle and Great Schools

Manitowoc County provides the scale of a larger district with the charm of a lakeside community. Families can choose between large high schools or smaller charter programs while enjoying high graduation rates. Explore the diverse neighborhoods and find a home that puts your children in a position to thrive.

Disaster Risk in Manitowoc County

via RiskByCounty

Manitowoc County faces elevated tornado risk

Manitowoc County's composite risk score of 68.92 exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, though it maintains a "Relatively Low" national rating. The elevation is driven primarily by exceptional tornado exposure and significant flood risk from its Lake Michigan location.

Above-average hazard exposure statewide

At 68.92, Manitowoc County ranks notably above Wisconsin's 59.08 state average, placing it in the higher-risk segment of the state's counties. The county faces compound threats from tornadoes, flooding, and hurricane exposure that elevate overall exposure.

Tornados hit harder here than neighbors

Manitowoc County's score of 68.92 exceeds nearby Sheboygan County and significantly outpaces Ozaukee County, reflecting its unique exposure to Lake Michigan storm systems. The county's coastal position amplifies both tornado and hurricane risks compared to inland neighbors.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate threats

Tornado risk reaches a striking 77.26 in Manitowoc County—the highest single hazard threat—while flood risk of 69.66 reflects vulnerability to both riverine and coastal water events. Hurricane risk of 21.74 adds a third significant hazard layer unique among inland Wisconsin counties.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Manitowoc County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes robust wind/hail coverage for tornado protection and strongly consider flood insurance given the county's elevated flood exposure. Given the compounded hazard profile, reviewing coverage annually with an agent familiar with coastal Wisconsin risks is prudent.

Water Quality in Manitowoc County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Beats Average

Manitowoc County earns a grade of C, recording 8 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 14.0 per 100K people is significantly better than the state average of 76.3.

Widespread Impairment in Coastal Watersheds

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows 14.1% of assessed water bodies are impaired, nearly double the state average of 7.6%. Top pollutants include phosphorus, PCBs, and E. coli.

Extensive Data from Coastal Sites

The county boasts 108 monitoring sites that generated 65,513 measurements in the last five years. Physical and microbiological characteristics are among the most-measured groups.

Manitowoc River Shows Reduced Flow

Current discharge at the Manitowoc River gauge is 220 cfs, representing 62% of its typical long-term mean. This reduction impacts the river's 526 square mile drainage basin.

Caution Near Impaired Waterways

High E. coli and PCB levels in the watershed suggest residents should avoid contact with impaired waters after heavy rains. Despite good compliance rates, low river flows can impact the overall health of the local ecosystem.

Weather & Climate in Manitowoc County

via WeatherByCounty

Lake-Moderated Coastal Conditions

Manitowoc County’s 44.7°F annual average is tempered by Lake Michigan, putting it about 10 degrees below the national median. This maritime-influenced climate provides more moderate extremes than inland Wisconsin.

Following the Wisconsin State Average

The county sits right at the Wisconsin average of 44.4°F for annual temperature. Its 31.7 inches of annual precipitation is slightly drier than the 34.5-inch state standard.

Warmer Winters Than Inland Peers

While sharing a latitude with Marathon County, Manitowoc's 19.8°F January is much milder than Marathon's 14.8°F. The lake effect keeps the county cooler in summer but warmer in winter.

Steady Snowfall and Rare Heat

Winter brings 40.4 inches of snow, while July averages a pleasant 68.0°F. The lake air keeps summer heat in check, resulting in only 2 days per year reaching 90°F.

Mild Summers Mean Cooling Savings

Residents benefit from the lake’s cooling effect, rarely needing heavy air conditioning during the mild 66.0°F summers. Winter prep should focus on moisture control to manage the damp, 22.6°F winter air.

Soil Quality in Manitowoc County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Silt Loam Alfisols

These Alfisols show a pH of 6.20, making them more alkaline than the state average of 5.63 and close to the 6.5 national median. Silt loam is the dominant texture across the county's landscape.

A Well-Balanced Physical Profile

The soil contains 44.4% sand, 33.8% silt, and 13.4% clay. This combination provides a well-balanced structure that supports both excellent drainage and sufficient nutrient retention for high-yield farming.

Modest Water Capacity and Matter

Organic matter stands at 4.93%, which is higher than the national 2% but lower than the state's 11.02% average. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in is also slightly below the Wisconsin norm of 0.204 in/in.

Well-Drained for Building and Farming

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group C, these soils move water through the profile steadily. This setup is ideal for deep-rooted crops and provides stable foundations for local building projects.

Thriving in Coastal Zone 5b

Zone 5b offers a moderate climate for diverse plantings from fruit trees to hardy perennials. With a strong soil score of 70.4, your Manitowoc garden starts with a significant geological advantage.

Lawn Care in Manitowoc County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Success in Manitowoc County

Manitowoc County offers a solid lawn difficulty score of 62.7, which is near the state average and well above the national median. The lakeside Hardiness Zone 5b provides a slightly more temperate environment that benefits local turfgrass.

Lakeside Cooling and Moderate Growth

Annual precipitation of 31.7 inches is slightly lower than the state average but remains sufficient for most cool-season grasses. With only 2 extreme heat days and 2,023 growing degree days, the lawn stays green longer without the stress of intense summer heat.

Well-Drained Silt Loam Soil

The county features high-quality silt loam soil that is officially classified as well-drained. A favorable pH of 6.20 and a sand content of 44.4% ensure that your lawn's roots have the perfect balance of air and moisture.

Consistency During Dry Periods

Manitowoc has seen 24 weeks of drought over the past year and is currently categorized as 100% abnormally dry. Because the soil drains well, you should monitor for wilting and ensure consistent watering when rainfall dips below one inch per week.

Extended Growing in Zone 5b

A late first frost on October 21st allows for a much longer fall seeding window compared to inland counties. Start your projects after the April 30th frost to take advantage of the long, mild growing season provided by the lake effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manitowoc County's county score?
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 52.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Manitowoc County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Manitowoc County ranks #28 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Manitowoc County is $2,660, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Manitowoc County a tax score of 11.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Manitowoc County?
The median household income in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is $68,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Manitowoc County earns an income score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Manitowoc County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Manitowoc County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Manitowoc County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Manitowoc County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.