Portage Lakes, OH
Population 6,199 · Ohio
About Portage Lakes, OH
Portage Lakes is a small town located in Ohio with a population of 6,199 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,027 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portage Lakes features a median home value of $165,500, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Portage Lakes in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,125, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,389 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (2,099 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,093 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portage Lakes shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portage Lakes have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.1% of Portage Lakes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Portage Lakes, OH
Compared to national averages, Portage Lakes has a median household income of $66,027 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,500, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,125 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Portage Lakes's income is 8% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 5% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Portage Lakes, OH?
Portage Lakes offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,125/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,027) that falls below the national average. However, Portage Lakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portage Lakes has a population of 6,199 with a median age of 49.8 years. Compare Portage Lakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Portage Lakes
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martins Ferry | 6,192 | $43,073 | $92,800 | Compare |
| Jackson | 6,222 | $53,609 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Willard | 6,174 | $54,572 | $110,500 | Compare |
| Brookville | 6,234 | $62,569 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Obetz | 6,293 | $81,200 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Champion Heights | 6,299 | $69,688 | $138,700 | Compare |
| Covedale | 6,306 | $96,318 | $216,900 | Compare |
| Rossford | 6,315 | $68,381 | $173,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Portage Lakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portage Lakes
What is the population of Portage Lakes, OH?
The population of Portage Lakes, OH is 6,199 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Portage Lakes?
The median household income in Portage Lakes, OH is $66,027 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portage Lakes?
The median home value in Portage Lakes, OH is $165,500, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Portage Lakes?
The median monthly rent in Portage Lakes, OH is $1,125, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portage Lakes?
The unemployment rate in Portage Lakes, OH is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portage Lakes, OH a good place to live?
Portage Lakes offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,199 and a median age of 49.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Portage Lakes, OH?
33.1% of residents in Portage Lakes 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 Lakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portage Lakes, OH: median home value is $165,500 (32% below national), median rent is $1,125/month, and median household income is $66,027. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portage Lakes?
The poverty rate in Portage Lakes, OH is 10.0%, 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 Lakes, OH?
Portage Lakes's population is 1.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.