Indiana / Porter County

Moving to Portage, IN

Thinking of making a move to Portage, IN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portage, IN

Considering a move to Portage, IN? This welcoming community of 37,926 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $211,000 and average rents near $1,170. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portage's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portage, IN

Portage has a population of 37,926 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 9% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
37,926
Density
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age
39.2
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.1%
Black
8.5%
Asian
1.4%
Others
13.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portage, IN?

The cost of living in Portage is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2. Median home values are around $211,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,170. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$211,000
Gross Rent
$1,170
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 3.15%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
88.2
Grocery
94.5
Housing
76.0
Utilities
98.0
Transportation
92.0
Health Care
94.0
Miscellaneous
91.5

Crime

Is Portage, IN a safe place to live?

Portage is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 238 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 68. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Indiana.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
238
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,480
Crime Index
1,718
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 420
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 68

Weather

What is the weather like in Portage, IN year-round?

Portage experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $65,100 and a low poverty rate of 11.3%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,200
Household Income
$65,100
Family Income
$78,500
Per Capita Income
$29,600
Income Male
$45,000
Income Female
$36,300
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Non English Speakers
10.5%
Rent
$1,170
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
0.8%
Commute Time
26.3 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.8%
Bachelors or More
19.2%

Education

How are the schools in Portage, IN?

Portage offers quality education options, with public schools like Portage High School and Willowcreek Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Northwest. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Portage High School
Street
6450 US Hwy 6
Phone
219-763-8100
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
17.6
Name
Willowcreek Middle School
Street
5962 Central Ave
Phone
219-763-8090
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
16.2

Private Schools

Name
Nativity of Our Savior School
Street
2949 Willowcreek Rd
Phone
219-763-2400
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Indiana University Northwest
City
Gary
State
IN
Distance
15 miles
Students
3,700
Name
Purdue University Northwest
City
Hammond
State
IN
Distance
19 miles
Students
8,600

Healthcare

Portage residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Northwest Health - Portage and Methodist Hospitals - Southlake Campus nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 93.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Northwest Health - Portage
Address
3630 Willowcreek Rd, Portage, IN 46368
Phone
(219) 364-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Methodist Hospitals - Southlake Campus
Address
8701 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone
(219) 738-5500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
93.5%
Health Care Index
73.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portage, IN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $211,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Portage offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$211,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,170
Owner Occupied Rate
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.7%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Portage handle vehicle services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Portage. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Indiana
Department
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
5365 US Highway 6, Portage, IN 46368
Phone
888-692-6841

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Portage, IN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portage, review the core fields on this page: population 37,926, median home value $211,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,170, commute time 26.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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