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MarketsWisconsinManitowocRental Property Investment Guide

Rental Property Investment Guide: Manitowoc, WI

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Manitowoc, WI

Cap Rate
1.40%
Median Price
$250K
Rent/Mo
$900
1% Rule
0.36%
Fails

Market Snapshot

Manitowoc sits in the Midwest with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.5% annually. The median home costs $250,000 while rents average $900/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 1.40%. Cash flow investing here requires creative strategies like BRRRR or value-add approaches.

Who Should Invest Here

Manitowoc works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 1.40% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.

Deal Criteria for Manitowoc

Target properties priced 15-25% below the $250,000 median — around $200,000 or less. At this price point with $900/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 2.4%. Factor in 1.88% property taxes ($4,700/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 5.5% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,822.

Risks and Considerations

Property taxes at 1.88% are notably high — this is a significant drag on NOI that some investors underestimate. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.

Next Steps

Run the numbers on a specific Manitowoc property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Manitowoc data). Compare Manitowoc against similar markets in the Midwest region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.

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How Manitowoc Compares

Manitowoc vs Wisconsin state average and national average across key investment metrics. Manitowoc's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Manitowoc
Wisconsin Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
1.40%
1.83%
3.81%
Median Price
$250K
$309K
$333K
Median Rent
$900
$1,223
$1,524
Property Tax
1.88%
1.88%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.5%
5.5%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
0.5%/yr
0.5%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby Midwest Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Manitowoc, WI
1.4%
$250K
$900
1.88%
Dayton, OH
1.9%
$250K
$960
1.6%
Fort Wayne, IN
3.5%
$250K
$1,150
0.85%
Duluth, MN
5.8%
$250K
$1,680
1.08%
Bloomington, IL
3.2%
$250K
$1,330
2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manitowoc, WI a good place to invest in rental property?
Manitowoc has an estimated cap rate of 1.40%, which is below the national average of 3.81%. With median home prices at $250K and rents of $900/mo, pure cash flow investing in Manitowoc is challenging at median prices, but value-add strategies can work. Population growth of 0.5% and 5.5% vacancy rate indicate healthy tenant demand.
What is the average cap rate in Manitowoc?
The estimated cap rate for Manitowoc is 1.40%, based on median home prices of $250K, median rents of $900/mo, a 1.88% property tax rate, and 5.5% vacancy. This compares to a 1.83% average across Wisconsin and 3.81% nationally. Cap rates for individual properties will vary based on purchase price, actual rents, and property condition.
How much does a rental property cost in Manitowoc?
The median home price in Manitowoc is $250,000, which is 25% below the national average of $333,419. A 20% down payment would be approximately $50,000. Investment properties in Manitowoc range significantly — targeting properties 15-25% below median can improve your cap rate substantially.
What are Manitowoc property taxes for investors?
Manitowoc's effective property tax rate is 1.88%, which is above the Wisconsin average of 1.88% and above the national average of 1.08%. On a $250K property, annual taxes are approximately $4,700 ($392/mo). Higher property taxes are one of the largest operating expenses — model this carefully.
Full Manitowoc Analysis →Cap Rate CalculatorBRRRR Calculator

Explore Manitowoc & Related Markets

More Manitowoc Guides

Rent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideCost of Living & AffordabilityAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

Similar Markets in the Midwest

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Greenville, OH$205K · $680/mo
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Baraboo, WI$325K · $1,150/mo
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Alexandria, MN$330K · $980/mo
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Appleton, WI$335K · $1,220/mo
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