Cost of Living in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Manitowoc County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Manitowoc County ranks #1,324 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Manitowoc County
Affordability Verdict
Manitowoc County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $777/month representing approximately 13.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Manitowoc County pay $777/month on average, compared to $884/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,886/year. With a median household income of $68,611, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Manitowoc County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Manitowoc County is less affordable than Wood County by roughly 6% ($777/mo vs $831/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Manitowoc County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,601
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Manitowoc County
Median home value is $172,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,380 vs. your max of $1,601.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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