Wisconsin · Metropolitan Area
Portage is a small city in Wisconsin with a population of 10,374. Residents earn $62,785 per year, which is 16% below the national average.
Based on current data, Portage receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Portage offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Portage is $62,785, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
The median home value in Portage is $187,300, 34% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Violent crime in Portage is below the national average at 168 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 601 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Portage experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 96.4% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.6% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $62,785 |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $29,973 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,013 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,589 |
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,775 |
| County GDP | $4,274M |
| Restaurants | 194 |
| Healthcare | 142 |
| Retail | 194 |
| Manufacturing | 84 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,988 |
| 71% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.20% |
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
| Census Median | $187,300 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $282,197 |
| Median List Price | $259,900 |
| Median List Price | $259,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 30 |
| Census Median Rent | $963 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Studio | $715 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,037 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,243 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,373 |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,988 |
| 71% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.20% |
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,231/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 142 |
| Total Violent | 167.5/100K |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 29.6/100K |
| Robbery | 19.7/100K |
| Assault | 118.3/100K |
| Total Property | 601.2/100K |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 59.1/100K |
| Theft | 502.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 39.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 38.3 inches |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 39.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 812 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 8.9 sq mi (23.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,163/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5490°N, 89.4659°W |
| County FIPS | 55021 |
Winner: Republican by 4.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.7% |
| 47% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.0% |
| School Test Score | 6.14 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 1,163/sq mi |
| Total Area | 8.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 142 |
| Restaurants | 194 |
| Retail Stores | 194 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Commute | 24.3 min |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |