IncomeBy County

Manistee County, Michigan

Income Data

-5% vs. Michigan average
$60,879
Median Household Income
$34,636
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,879
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,636
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#45 / 83
by median household income

How Manistee County Compares

Manistee County$60,879
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,879
Median Household Income
$34,636
Per Capita Income
$166,600
Median Home Value
36.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Manistee County, Michigan

Manistee trails national income benchmark

Manistee County's median household income of $60,879 falls $13,876 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it roughly 30 percentile points below the U.S. average. This gap reflects limited high-wage employment and reliance on seasonal work in forestry and tourism. However, the county maintains stable income relative to similar rural-coastal communities.

Lower-middle tier in Michigan

At $60,879, Manistee County ranks approximately 45th among Michigan's 83 counties, falling below the state average of $64,304 by about $3,400. The county's position reflects economic dependence on lumber, agriculture, and seasonal tourism rather than diversified manufacturing. Still, median income remains above several dozen Michigan counties with similar rural characteristics.

Comparable to nearby rural counties

Manistee County ($60,879) slightly exceeds Mackinac County ($58,598) by $2,281 and sits close to Mason County ($62,296), reflecting similar economic structures across West Michigan's rural areas. Compared to Marquette County ($64,675) to the north, Manistee trails by roughly $3,800. These modest differences show how geography and local industries create subtle but consistent income patterns.

Affordable housing supports families

Manistee County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability ceiling, making it one of the most housing-affordable counties profiled. The median home value of $166,600 requires just 2.7 years of median household income—among the lowest ratios for homeownership readiness. Strong housing affordability partially offsets modest wage levels.

Leverage affordability to build assets

Manistee County's low housing costs ($166,600 median) create a unique opportunity for homebuyers to build equity on moderate incomes of $60,879. Prioritize paying down mortgage principal aggressively while maintaining a small emergency fund. With lower cost-of-living pressures than larger Michigan counties, households can redirect savings toward retirement and education investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Manistee County, Michigan?
The median household income in Manistee County, Michigan is $60,879, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Manistee County?
The per capita income in Manistee County is $34,636, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $60,879.
How does Manistee County compare to the Michigan average?
Manistee County's median household income of $60,879 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $34,636, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Manistee County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Manistee County, Michigan is $34,636, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Manistee County a low-income area in Michigan?
Manistee County's median household income of $60,879 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $34,636 is also lower than the state average of $35,451. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Manistee County rank for income in Michigan?
Manistee County ranks #45 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,879 and per capita income of $34,636, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Manistee County

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Your income is above the Manistee County median

County median: $60,879 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-5%

vs. National Median

-19%

vs. Manistee County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 5% below
vs. National Median▼ 19% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.2x

Your monthly income ($5,073) vs. median rent ($820/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Carroll County
Illinois
$60,871
+0%
Hillsdale County
Michigan
$60,869
+0%
Keokuk County
Iowa
$60,856
+0%
Crawford County
Georgia
$60,905
+0%
Clark County
Ohio
$60,846
+0%
Cullman County
Alabama
$60,916
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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