Median Income
$79,432
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$146,200
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
778/100K
105% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Manawa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,317
Median Age51.3 yrs
Density808/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$79,432
Per Capita$42,320
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$2,507M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,200
Rent$817
Ownership59.7%
Zillow$258,583
Housing Units661
Rent Burden14.3%
Crime
F
Violent778/100K
Property855/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault389/100K
Burglary78/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking16.4%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation824 ft (251 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute18 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Manawa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Manawa receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Manawa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Manawa is $79,432, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Manawa is $146,200, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 778 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 855 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Manawa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.9 inches, including 45.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Manawa has a population of 1,317 with a density of 808 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 51.3 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.3yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.8%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Manawa is $79,432, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,320. The average weekly wage is $928, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,385 business establishments, including 146 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,432 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,320 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $928 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,983 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,385 |
| County GDP | $2,507M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 146 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,425 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Manawa is $146,200, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,583, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 661 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $5,425 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,200 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,583 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Housing Units | 661 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,425 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.71% |
In Manawa, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719. The dentist ratio is 1:2,710. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Manawa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:2,710 |
| Mental Health | 1:934 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,173/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Manawa has a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 residents, 105% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 388.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 388.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 855 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 778, burglary at 78, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Manawa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Manawa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 777.6/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 388.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 388.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 855.4/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 77.8/100K |
| Theft | 777.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Manawa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.9 inches. The area receives 45.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 824 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 824 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 808/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4615°N, 88.9205°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Waupaca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.9"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
407 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 283 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
59 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
34 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Manawa has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Manawa. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Manawa
What is the population of Manawa?
Manawa has a population of 1,317 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 808 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Manawa expensive to live in?
Manawa is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $79,432, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,200 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Manawa safe?
Public safety is a concern in Manawa, with a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 855 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Manawa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Manawa?
Manawa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.9 inches, with 45.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Manawa?
The job market in Manawa is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $928. There are 1,385 business establishments in the area, including 146 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Manawa?
The median home value in Manawa is $146,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,583. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,425.
How are the schools in Manawa?
Schools in Manawa score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Manawa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Manawa?
The obesity rate in Manawa is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What is transportation like in Manawa?
The average commute in Manawa is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Manawa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Manawa is 92.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
