RANK #114 / 996 · POP 81,242 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.7%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| 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 has a Boom Town Index score of 89/100, ranking #114 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.8% and a median household income of $66,412, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Manitowoc County is $160,400 with median rent at $747/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.414, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.8%. Home values changed +6.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.43% of Manitowoc County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.