Manistee County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Manistee County is located in Michigan with a total population of 25,247. It is the 58th most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Manistee County is 50.3 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Manistee County is $60,879. This is 14% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 6.2%. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $166,600. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Manistee County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 85.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Manistee County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%. The Black or African American population (3.3%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

23.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.3%.