Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portage, MI
Thinking about moving to Portage, MI? With a welcoming population of about 48,600, Portage offers affordable living, with median home prices around $270,000 and average rent at $1,150. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 20 minutes, low violent crime rates, and excellent schools, with over 40% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Add in four seasons, major nearby hospitals, and an active community, and Portage stands out as a friendly, convenient place to call home.
Demographics - Portage, MI
Demographics - Portage, MI
Portage, MI is home to about 48,600 residents, with a median age of 39.1 and a population density of 2,100 per square mile. The city is predominantly White (81.5%), with smaller Black, Asian, and other ethnic communities, and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
48,600
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
6.7%
Asian:
4.3%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portage, MI?
Portage offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $270,000 and average rent at $1,150. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are generally affordable, making it an attractive option for families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
78.1
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
93.6
Crime
Is Portage, MI a safe place to live?
Portage is considered a safe community, with a violent crime rate of 164 incidents per 100,000 people and low chances of experiencing violent or property crime compared to national averages. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to these favorable crime statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
164
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,560
Crime Index:
1,724
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 610
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Portage, MI year-round?
Portage experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 83°F and cold winters dipping to about 19°F. The city receives roughly 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about half the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Portage residents enjoy a strong sense of community, supported by a median household income of $74,300 and a low poverty rate of 7.4%. Educational attainment is high, with over 96% holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 41% earning a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$74,300
Family Income:
$92,400
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$51,600
Income Female:
$41,100
Poverty Rate:
7.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
40.8%
Education
How are the schools in Portage, MI?
Portage boasts quality public and private schools, including Portage Central High and St. Monica Catholic School, along with access to higher education at Western Michigan University just a few miles away. The city’s strong educational network supports students from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Portage Central High School
Street:
8135 S Westnedge Ave
Phone:
269-323-5200
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Portage North Middle School
Street:
8001 Mustang Dr
Phone:
269-323-5700
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.4
Private Schools
Name:
St. Monica Catholic School
Street:
534 W Kilgore Rd
Phone:
269-345-2444
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
Western Michigan University
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
Portage residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Bronson Methodist and Ascension Borgess in nearby Kalamazoo. With a physician rate of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 94% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from reliable healthcare services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Address:
601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone:
(269) 341-7654
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Borgess Hospital
Address:
1521 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone:
(269) 226-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
70.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portage, MI?
The local housing market features a median home price of $270,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%, reflecting a stable environment for buyers and renters alike. Steady appreciation and low foreclosure rates make Portage a solid choice for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Portage residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office located at 3298 Stadium Dr in nearby Kalamazoo. This DMV provides a full range of motor vehicle services, including licensing and registration, for local drivers.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
3298 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
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.