Manitowish Waters ZIP Code List — Vilas County, WI

There is one unique ZIP code in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin and it is 54545. Area code: 715.

ZIP codes

48.27

sq mi land

9.40

sq mi water

715

area code

Manitowish Waters, WI ZIP code map

About Manitowish Waters, WI

Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, is a charming town nestled in the picturesque Vilas County. Known for its stunning lakes and outdoor recreational activities, it offers a serene escape for both tourists and locals alike. This delightful community attracts visitors with its warm hospitality and natural beauty.

Location & geography

Located in the northern part of Wisconsin, Manitowish Waters is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of lakes and forests. It is approximately 20 miles from the city of Minocqua to the southwest and about 25 miles from Eagle River to the northeast. The town encompasses a land area of 48.27 square miles, complemented by a water area of 9.40 square miles, which contributes to its scenic charm.

Community & economy

The community of Manitowish Waters is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of civic pride. The town thrives on tourism, particularly during the summer months, when outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking dominate daily life. Local businesses and seasonal resorts cater to visitors, enhancing the local economy and contributing to the town's vibrant character.

Transportation

Manitowish Waters is accessible via several highways, including U.S. Route 51, which connects it to larger urban centers. The nearest named airport is the Lakeland Airport located just a few miles away, offering limited general aviation services. Public transportation options are minimal, reflecting the town's rural character.

History

Manitowish Waters was founded in the late 19th century as a logging hub, capitalizing on the abundant timber resources in the area. Key industries have evolved over time, with tourism now playing a dominant role in the local economy. The town has hosted various events that celebrate its unique heritage and natural surroundings, drawing visitors from afar.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Manitowish Waters is that it is home to the famous Manitowish Waters Chain of 10 Lakes, which is a popular destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Additionally, the town is known for its well-maintained snowmobile trails, making it a winter wonderland for outdoor sports lovers.

ZIP codes for Manitowish Waters, WI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
54545	Manitowish Waters	Vilas	View map

Demographics & statistics

852

Population

63.0

Median age

$72,917

Median household income

$55,059

Per capita income

$635,200

Median home value

$1,084

Median monthly rent

80.6%

Home ownership

6.3%

Poverty rate

3.1%

Unemployment

1,239

Housing units

54.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

112

65–74

110

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	69	8.1%
18 and over	783	91.9%
65 and over	368	43.2%
Median age	63.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.9%

Two or more races 2.7%

Hispanic or Latino 0.7%

Other race 0.7%

Group	Count	%
White	823	95.9%
Two or more races	23	2.7%
Hispanic or Latino	6	0.7%
Other race	6	0.7%

Household income

Under $10k 6.1%

$10k–$15k 1.1%

$15k–$25k 4.4%

$25k–$35k 3.6%

$35k–$50k 17.1%

$50k–$75k 18.8%

$75k–$100k 21.5%

$100k–$150k 12.9%

$150k–$200k 3.8%

$200k+ 10.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	6.1%
$10k–$15k	1.1%
$15k–$25k	4.4%
$25k–$35k	3.6%
$35k–$50k	17.1%
$50k–$75k	18.8%
$75k–$100k	21.5%
$100k–$150k	12.9%
$150k–$200k	3.8%
$200k+	10.8%
Median income	$72,917

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.6%

$50k–$100k 3.1%

$100k–$150k 5.8%

$150k–$200k 6.5%

$200k–$300k 8.6%

$300k–$500k 15.7%

$500k–$1M 48.4%

$1M+ 10.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$635,200
Median rent / month	$1,084
Owner occupied	80.6%
Renter occupied	19.4%
Vacant	64.4%
Single-family detached	96.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	1.7%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	1.87

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.0%
2000–2009	10.1%
1990–1999	12.1%
1980–1989	12.9%
1970–1979	18.6%
1960–1969	14.3%
1950–1959	9.5%
1940–1949	8.6%
1939 or earlier	8.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.2%
1 bedroom	7.4%
2 bedrooms	29.7%
3 bedrooms	42.5%
4 bedrooms	16.7%
5+ bedrooms	3.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.9%
1 vehicle	25.1%
2 vehicles	39.5%
3 or more	33.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	69.0%
Electricity	10.8%
Propane / LP gas	17.5%
Fuel oil	0.4%
Wood	2.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	266	56.1%
Cohabiting couple	30	6.3%
Male householder, no spouse	108	22.8%
Female householder, no spouse	70	14.8%
Households with children under 18	61	12.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	252	53.2%
Average household size	1.80

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	18.2%	7.8%
Married	59.2%	73.4%
Separated	0.8%	0.0%
Widowed	1.5%	13.7%
Divorced	20.3%	5.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.0%

Some HS, no diploma 1.2%

HS graduate 12.0%

Some college, no degree 26.2%

Associate's degree 6.5%

Bachelor's degree 34.3%

Graduate / professional 19.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	98.8%
Bachelor's or higher	54.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	2	3.5%
Elementary school	17	29.8%
High school	26	45.6%
College / grad school	12	21.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Retail trade 20.6%

Education & healthcare 19.5%

Professional & management 11.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.9%

Manufacturing 9.7%

Public administration 6.9%

Finance & real estate 6.0%

Other services 4.9%

Transportation & utilities 4.6%

Information 2.6%

Wholesale trade 1.7%

Agriculture & mining 1.1%

Construction 0.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	49.6%
Service	18.9%
Sales & office	18.3%
Natural resources & construction	2.9%
Production & transportation	10.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	78.8%
Government	12.9%
Self-employed	8.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.3%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	79.7%
Carpool	5.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.6%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	27.6

Poverty

All people 6.3%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 6.9%

Married-couple families 5.6%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	57.8%
Retirement income	52.1%
Supplemental Security	2.7%
Cash public assistance	0.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	40.7%
High cholesterol	40.1%
Heart disease	8.9%
Stroke	3.7%
Asthma	9.1%
Arthritis	32.8%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	7.3%
Cancer	10.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.6%
No physical activity	19.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	26.5%
Fair or poor health	12.4%
Poor mental health	10.5%
Poor physical health	10.3%
No health insurance	7.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.1%
Visited dentist	74.7%
Cholesterol screening	93.4%
Teeth loss	9.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	37	4.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.3%
Under 18	26.1%
18–64 years	4.1%
65 and over	19.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	83.2%
Public insurance	51.9%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	824	96.7%
Spanish	5	0.6%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	5	0.6%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	844	99.1%
Born in same state	840	98.6%
Born in different state	404	47.4%
Foreign born	4	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	8	0.9%
Not a US citizen	8	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	136	16%
French	102	12%
Polish	33	3.9%
Dutch	24	2.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	20	2.3%
German	18	2.1%
English	14	1.6%
Norwegian	2	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	55.6%
Internet access	95.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Manitowish Waters, WI?

Manitowish Waters, WI has one ZIP code: 54545.

What is the main ZIP code for Manitowish Waters, WI?

The primary ZIP code for Manitowish Waters, WI is 54545. The city uses area code 715 for phone service.

What county is Manitowish Waters, WI in?

Manitowish Waters is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin.

How many ZIP codes are in Manitowish Waters, WI?

Manitowish Waters, WI has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing packages to businesses in downtown Manitowish Waters along US Highway 51?

All mail to downtown Manitowish Waters and businesses along US Highway 51 use the ZIP code 54545, as it serves the entire city.

What is the ZIP code for the Manitowish Waters area near the chain of lakes in Vilas County?

The ZIP code 54545 covers all of Manitowish Waters, including the surrounding lake communities and resort areas that make the city a popular vacation destination.