Median Income
$54,175
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$113,800
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
121/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.0%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$845
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.8%
394% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Portage Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population445
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density299/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$54,175
Per Capita$28,147
Unemployment17.8%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$10,692M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$113,800
Rent$845
Ownership41.4%
Zillow$172,481
Housing Units211
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent121/100K
Property1,982/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation680 ft (207 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.0%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations11
Libraries12
Is Portage a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Portage receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Portage has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Portage is $54,175, 28% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Portage is $113,800, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Portage is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,982 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
31.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Portage experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches, including 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Portage has a population of 445 with a density of 299 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (60.9%), with 20.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.9% of residents, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.9%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.1%
10% below US avg
The median household income in Portage is $54,175, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,147 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,088, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,473 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,175 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,147 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,088 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,132 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.8% |
| 394% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,473 |
| County GDP | $10,692M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 293 |
| Retail | 345 |
| Manufacturing | 171 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Portage is $113,800, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,481, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $845 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $985 for a one-bedroom to $1,268 for a two-bedroom apartment. 41.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,555 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $113,800 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,481 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $845 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $904 |
| 1 Bedroom | $985 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,268 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,547 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,681 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 41.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.6% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.76% |
In Portage, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.1% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,472. The dentist ratio is 1:3,060. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Portage vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.1% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,472 |
| Dentists | 1:3,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:448 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 293 |
Portage has a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,982 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Portage receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Portage vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 121.3/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,981.7/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Portage experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 35.2 inches. The area receives 21.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 76% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 680 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 680 ft (207 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 299/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3232°N, 83.6468°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW) 63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.2"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 76.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
30 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
29 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
25 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
29 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
77 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
105 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
72 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| Feb 17, 2013 |
31 km E of Leamington, Canada |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
407 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 76 fatalities, 1,214 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
27 km |
7 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
39 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
13 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
51 km |
4 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
24 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
3 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
21 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1969 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
52 km |
4 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Portage has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Portage. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139-$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186-$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93-$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742-$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139-$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46-$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371-$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93-$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46-$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139-$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712-$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371-$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104-$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464-$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640-$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856-$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742-$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186-$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928-$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70-$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78-$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32-$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32-$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78-$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71-$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74-$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46-$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70-$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114-$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557-$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464-$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186-$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371-$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640-$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46-$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93-$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Portage
What is the population of Portage?
Portage has a population of 445 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 299 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Portage expensive to live in?
Portage is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,175, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $113,800 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Portage safe?
Portage is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,982 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Portage receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Portage?
Portage has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.2 inches, with 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Portage?
The job market in Portage faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,088. There are 3,473 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Portage?
The median home value in Portage is $113,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,481. For renters, the median monthly rent is $845. Fair market rent is $985 for a 1-bedroom and $1,268 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 41.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,555.
How are the schools in Portage?
Schools in Portage score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.0% of adults in Portage hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Portage?
The obesity rate in Portage is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,472.
What is transportation like in Portage?
The average commute in Portage is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Portage?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Portage is 60.9% White, 20.9% Black or African American. 87.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.