Portage, WI
Population 10,374 · Wisconsin
About Portage, WI
Portage is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 10,374 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,785 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 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 $187,300, which is 24% 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 $963, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,333 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,370 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,779 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portage shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portage have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.7% 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 3.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Portage, WI
Compared to national averages, Portage has a median household income of $62,785 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $963 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Portage's income is 13% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 9% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Portage, WI?
Portage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $963/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,785) 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 10,374 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Portage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Portage
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Richmond | 10,334 | $87,500 | $269,000 | Compare |
| Hobart | 10,418 | $111,918 | $363,500 | Compare |
| Elkhorn | 10,259 | $73,052 | $255,300 | Compare |
| Monroe | 10,568 | $67,621 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Reedsburg | 10,060 | $71,991 | $218,300 | Compare |
| Sparta | 9,921 | $60,517 | $168,800 | Compare |
| DeForest | 10,853 | $106,223 | $337,500 | Compare |
| Burlington | 11,021 | $81,658 | $268,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Portage, WI is 10,374 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Portage?
The median household income in Portage, WI is $62,785 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portage?
The median home value in Portage, WI is $187,300, which is 24% 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, WI is $963, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portage?
The unemployment rate in Portage, WI is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portage, WI a good place to live?
Portage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,374 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portage, WI?
17.7% 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, WI: median home value is $187,300 (24% below national), median rent is $963/month, and median household income is $62,785. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portage?
The poverty rate in Portage, WI is 13.9%, 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, WI?
Portage's population is 3.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.