Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

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Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 81,359. The county seat is Manitowoc. The county was created in 1836 and organized in 1848.

History[edit | edit source]

Manitowoc County was established in 1836 and was originally part of the Michigan Territory. It became part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836 and was officially organized in 1848. The name "Manitowoc" is derived from a Ojibwe word meaning "home of the good spirit."

Geography[edit | edit source]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,494 square miles (3,870 km²), of which 589 square miles (1,530 km²) is land and 905 square miles (2,340 km²) (60.6%) is water. The county is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan.

Adjacent counties[edit | edit source]

Kewaunee County - north
Brown County - northwest
Calumet County - west
Sheboygan County - south

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, there were 81,359 people, 34,721 households, and 21,345 families residing in the county. The population density was 138 people per square mile (53/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.0% Asian, and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.5% of the population.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Manitowoc County is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its production of dairy products, particularly cheese. Major employers include Manitowoc Company, Lakeside Foods, and Holy Family Memorial.

Education[edit | edit source]

Manitowoc County is served by several school districts, including the Manitowoc Public School District, Two Rivers Public School District, and Valders Area School District. Higher education institutions include Lakeshore Technical College and a campus of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

The county is served by several major highways, including Interstate 43, U.S. Route 10, and U.S. Route 151. The Manitowoc County Airport provides general aviation services, and the SS Badger car ferry connects Manitowoc with Ludington, Michigan across Lake Michigan.