Manitowoc County

Wisconsin · WI

#35 in Wisconsin
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

Manitowoc keeps pace with national standards

Manitowoc County's composite score of 66.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This Lake Michigan-adjacent county balances affordability, health, and economic resilience effectively.

Right at Wisconsin's average

Manitowoc's score of 66.1 sits just above Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. It represents solid, reliable livability.

Outstanding health and low environmental risk

Manitowoc's greatest asset is its health score of 77.5, the highest among these eight counties, reflecting strong medical infrastructure and population wellness. A risk score of 31.1 signals low vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks, offering genuine stability.

Income and tax pressure crimp finances

The income score of 28.2 with median household income of $68,611 means wage growth remains constrained. Tax burden (59.0) is also heavier than some peers, reducing disposable income.

Haven for health-conscious, stable families

Manitowoc County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing excellent health care and environmental safety over high incomes. If you value low-risk living, robust hospitals and clinics, and modest affordability near Lake Michigan, Manitowoc delivers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax59Cost81SafetyComing SoonHealth77.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.2Risk31.1WaterComing Soon
🏛59
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼28.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
31.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Manitowoc County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Health in Manitowoc County

via HealthByCounty

Manitowoc maintains solid national standing

Manitowoc County's 78.0-year life expectancy nearly matches the US national average of 78.9 years, placing residents in the mainstream of American longevity. The county's 15.0% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the national 18%, suggesting better chronic disease management.

Slightly above Wisconsin's health profile

At 78.0 years, Manitowoc County's life expectancy edges slightly above Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 years, reflecting relatively solid health outcomes. The county's 15.0% poor/fair health rate is among the better rates statewide, indicating effective health maintenance.

Competitive with strong regional counties

Manitowoc's 78.0-year life expectancy is competitive with Marathon County (78.4 years) and exceeds Marinette County (76.0 years) and Marquette County (74.9 years). The county offers 47 primary care providers per 100K and 148 mental health providers per 100K, providing reasonable access compared to neighbors.

Strong coverage, good provider availability

Manitowoc County's 6.0% uninsured rate ranks among the lowest in Wisconsin, below the state average of 7.0%, meaning most residents have health insurance. With 47 primary care providers and 148 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers adequate access for routine and behavioral health care.

Keep your coverage current

Manitowoc residents enjoy strong insurance coverage—maintain it by renewing annually through your employer, marketplace, or public programs. Schedule preventive checkups to make the most of your access to local providers.

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.

ByCounty Network

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