Is Manistee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Manistee

Is it Safe to Live in Manistee?

Manistee, Michigan, presents a mixed picture regarding safety. The city experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average across all communities, though not among the highest. Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Manistee is approximately 1 in 53. This suggests that Manistee is not among the safest communities in America, relative to Michigan, its crime rate is higher than 85% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.

However, other data indicates a more favorable outlook. One report states that Manistee’s overall crime rate is 23% lower than the national average. This report also suggests that violent crimes in Manistee are 7% lower than the national average. When considering property crime, Manistee’s rate is 26.7% lower than the U.S. average. It is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within a city.

Cost of Living

Manistee offers a cost of living that is generally lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Manistee is estimated to be 11% lower than the national average. Compared to Michigan, Manistee is approximately 2% less expensive.

Housing costs are a significant factor in Manistee’s affordability. Housing in Manistee is reported to be 33% lower than the national average. This is further supported by data showing the median home value in Manistee at $164,100 (as of 2024). Renting is also an option, with the average rent in Manistee being around $1,400 per month, which is 30% lower than the national average.

Housing Market

The housing market in Manistee shows a median home value of $164,100 as of 2024. This median property value has seen an increase, rising from $144,400 between 2023 and 2024, marking a 13.6% increase. The homeownership rate in Manistee is quite high, standing at 73.2%, which is above the national average of 65.2%.

For those considering buying, the median list price in Manistee was $269,000 in March 2026. Homes in Manistee, MI, sold for a median price of $269,000 in March 2026. Properties in Manistee typically spend around 159 days on the market, which is longer than the 121 days reported last year. In Manistee County, the median sale price of a home was $320,000 in March 2026, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 37.6%.

Job Market and Salaries

Manistee’s employment sector is diverse, with the most common industries for residents being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Manistee grew by 5.23%, with the number of employees increasing from 2.58k to 2.71k. The most common job groups within the city are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Construction & Extraction Occupations, and Management Occupations.

The average annual salary in Manistee, MI, is approximately $43,000 per year, translating to an hourly rate of about $20.67. However, other sources suggest a higher average annual pay for “Hourly” roles in Manistee, around $52,213 a year, or $25.10 per hour, as of April 2026. The median household income in Manistee was reported at $60,541 in 2024. The unemployment rate in Manistee County was 6.6% in 2026. For comparison, the state of Michigan had an unemployment rate of 5% in March 2026.

Climate

Manistee experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with comfortable summers and cold, snowy winters. The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 68°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 77°F and lows of 58°F.

Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 38°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 19°F and highs of 29°F. Manistee receives an average annual precipitation of about 37 inches. The month with the most rainfall is typically September, with around 3.1 inches. Snowfall is significant, with an average annual snowfall of 106 inches. January usually sees the most snow, averaging about 5.9 inches.

Education

The public schools in Manistee are considered above average. This rating suggests a positive educational environment for families considering a move to the area.

Manistee is part of the Manistee County Road School District, which encompasses multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. While specific school ratings can vary, the general assessment indicates a satisfactory level of educational quality within the community.

Demographics

Manistee is home to a population of approximately 6,275 residents. The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituting the largest group, making up 22.3 times more than any other race or ethnicity. Approximately 99.2% of Manistee’s residents are U.S. citizens.

The median age in Manistee is 45 years. The population is distributed across various age groups, with about 13.7% being children under 15 and 25.1% being 65 or older. Gender distribution shows 46% male and 54% female residents. Households in Manistee average two members, with 58.9% being families.