Portage, MI
Population 49,015 · Michigan
About Portage, MI
Portage is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 49,015 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,529 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 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 $243,400, which is 1% 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 $1,120, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,701 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (13,963 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (6,577 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portage shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portage have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
48.4% of Portage residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portage Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Portage, MI
Compared to national averages, Portage has a median household income of $79,529 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $243,400, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,120 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Portage's income is 20% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 33% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Portage, MI?
Portage offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,529, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $243,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,120/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 48.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Portage has a population of 49,015 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Portage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Portage
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roseville | 47,240 | $61,222 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | Compare |
| East Lansing | 45,394 | $43,547 | $251,600 | Compare |
| Kentwood | 54,114 | $73,647 | $249,000 | Compare |
| Saginaw | 43,879 | $37,298 | $54,000 | Compare |
| Midland | 42,461 | $74,906 | $192,400 | Compare |
| Royal Oak | 57,880 | $95,182 | $305,900 | Compare |
| St. Clair Shores | 58,287 | $72,693 | $196,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
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, MI?
The population of Portage, MI is 49,015 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Portage?
The median household income in Portage, MI is $79,529 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portage?
The median home value in Portage, MI is $243,400, which is 1% 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, MI is $1,120, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portage?
The unemployment rate in Portage, MI is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portage, MI a good place to live?
Portage offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 49,015 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portage, MI?
48.4% of residents in Portage aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Portage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portage, MI: median home value is $243,400 (1% below national), median rent is $1,120/month, and median household income is $79,529. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portage?
The poverty rate in Portage, MI is 7.5%, 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, MI?
Portage's population is 3.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.