Portage, PA
Population 2,477 · Pennsylvania
About Portage, PA
Portage is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,477 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,389 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 features a median home value of $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Portage one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $622, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,285 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (806 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (282 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portage shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portage have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.9% 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Portage, PA
Compared to national averages, Portage has a median household income of $46,389 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,800, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $622 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Portage's income is 37% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 53% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Portage, PA?
Portage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $622/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,389) 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 2,477 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Portage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Portage
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnsonburg | 2,477 | $61,926 | $59,200 | Compare |
| Landisville | 2,479 | $95,878 | $265,300 | Compare |
| Hayti | 2,464 | $79,792 | $276,700 | Compare |
| Ashland | 2,495 | $52,283 | $60,000 | Compare |
| Emsworth | 2,458 | $65,435 | $177,300 | Compare |
| Effort | 2,499 | $127,929 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Stormstown | 2,455 | $142,045 | $411,000 | Compare |
| McKinley | 2,452 | $112,375 | $324,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Portage, PA is 2,477 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Portage?
The median household income in Portage, PA is $46,389 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portage?
The median home value in Portage, PA is $88,800, which is 64% 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, PA is $622, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portage?
The unemployment rate in Portage, PA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Portage, PA a good place to live?
Portage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,477 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Portage, PA?
21.9% 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, PA: median home value is $88,800 (64% below national), median rent is $622/month, and median household income is $46,389. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portage?
The poverty rate in Portage, PA is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Portage, PA?
Portage's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.