Michigan / Kalamazoo County

Moving to Portage, MI

Thinking of making a move to Portage, MI? 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, MI

Considering a move to Portage, MI? This welcoming community of 49,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $275,000 and average rents near $1,280. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% 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, MI

Portage has a population of 49,500 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 79% White, 10% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
49,500
Density
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age
38.8
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.0%
Black
10.2%
Asian
4.1%
Others
6.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Portage is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.8. Median home values are around $275,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,280. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$275,000
Gross Rent
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$640
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
91.8
Grocery
95.4
Housing
88.2
Utilities
100.6
Transportation
93.1
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
94.7

Crime

Is Portage, MI a safe place to live?

Portage is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 165 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
165
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,430
Crime Index
1,595
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 606
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

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

Portage experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,500 and a low poverty rate of 9.3%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$72,500
Family Income
$88,500
Per Capita Income
$35,200
Income Male
$47,000
Income Female
$37,500
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Non English Speakers
7.8%
Rent
$1,280
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
20.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
33.4%

Education

How are the schools in Portage, MI?

Portage offers quality education options, with public schools like Portage Central High School and Portage Northern High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Portage Central High School
Street
8135 S Westnedge Ave
Phone
269-323-5200
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Portage Northern High School
Street
1000 Idaho Ave
Phone
269-323-5550
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Monica School
Street
4408 S Westnedge Ave
Phone
269-381-2646
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
City
Kalamazoo
State
MI
Distance
6 miles
Students
7,500
Name
Western Michigan University
City
Kalamazoo
State
MI
Distance
8 miles
Students
19,000

Healthcare

Portage residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bronson Methodist Hospital and Ascension Borgess Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
73.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portage, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $275,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.7%. Portage offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Portage handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Lansing. 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
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone
1-888-767-6424

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, MI

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 49,500, median home value $275,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,280, commute time 20.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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