Portage, IN
Population 37,951 · Indiana
About Portage, IN
Portage is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 37,951 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,833 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portage features a median home value of $210,800, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Portage in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,138, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,837 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (10,734 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (4,213 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portage shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portage have an average one-way commute time of 28.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Portage residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 13.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portage Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Portage, IN
Compared to national averages, Portage has a median household income of $72,833 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $210,800, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,138 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Portage's income is 5% above the state average of $69,330, and home values are 29% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Portage, IN?
Portage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $210,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,138/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,833) that falls below the national average. However, Portage’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portage has a population of 37,951 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Portage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Portage
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Albany | 37,589 | $54,152 | $169,600 | Compare |
| Merrillville | 36,343 | $64,791 | $194,000 | Compare |
| Plainfield | 35,783 | $85,074 | $263,900 | Compare |
| Richmond | 35,551 | $46,395 | $107,600 | Compare |
| Valparaiso | 34,377 | $67,664 | $250,500 | Compare |
| Goshen | 34,374 | $55,436 | $175,200 | Compare |
| Crown Point | 34,042 | $95,757 | $272,800 | Compare |
| Michigan City | 31,894 | $52,979 | $129,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Portage With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portage
What is the population of Portage, IN?
The population of Portage, IN is 37,951 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Portage?
The median household income in Portage, IN is $72,833 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portage?
The median home value in Portage, IN is $210,800, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Portage?
The median monthly rent in Portage, IN is $1,138, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portage?
The unemployment rate in Portage, IN is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portage, IN a good place to live?
Portage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 37,951 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portage, IN?
16.0% of residents in Portage aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Portage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portage, IN: median home value is $210,800 (14% below national), median rent is $1,138/month, and median household income is $72,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portage?
The poverty rate in Portage, IN is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Portage, IN?
Portage's population is 13.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 10.1% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.