Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portage, PA
Considering a move to Portage, PA? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of just 2,283, Portage offers affordable living—median home prices are around $77,800 and average rents just $685. The town features low crime rates, short 25-minute average commutes, and good access to local healthcare. While cost of living is low, residents enjoy quiet neighborhoods and solid public schools, all set against the backdrop of a classic western Pennsylvania climate with four distinct seasons.
Demographics - Portage, PA
Demographics - Portage, PA
Portage, PA is a close-knit community of 2,283 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 44.2 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population density is high for a small town, fostering a neighborly atmosphere, and only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
2,283
Density:
2,280 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portage, PA?
Portage boasts a notably low cost of living, with median home values around $77,800 and average rents at $685, making it an affordable choice for families and retirees. Utility and grocery costs are close to national averages, and the state income tax rate is a flat 3.07%.
Median House Value:
$77,800
Gross Rent:
$685
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$117
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.2
Grocery:
97.4
Housing:
49.1
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
98.5
Crime
Is Portage, PA a safe place to live?
The town experiences relatively low crime, with just 189 violent crimes and 1,020 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in favorable odds for personal safety. Residents can expect a peaceful environment with a significantly lower chance of encountering crime compared to larger cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
189
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,209
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 529
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Portage, PA year-round?
Portage experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and mild summers reaching up to 78°F. The area receives about 41.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 45% of the year, creating a classic western Pennsylvania climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Residents of Portage have a median household income of $38,400 and a family income of $46,100, with approximately 21.7% living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 25 minutes, supporting a relaxed, small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,900
Household Income:
$38,400
Family Income:
$46,100
Per Capita Income:
$21,300
Income Male:
$36,400
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$685
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
24.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
12.3%
Education
How are the schools in Portage, PA?
Portage offers strong public schooling options with low student-teacher ratios and access to higher education nearby, including Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown within a short drive. The majority of adults have completed high school, supporting a community that values education.
Public Schools
Name:
Portage Area Elementary School
Street:
85 Mountain Ave
Phone:
814-736-9636
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Portage Area Junior-Senior High School
Street:
85 Mountain Ave
Phone:
814-736-9636
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Colleges
Name:
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
City:
Johnstown
State:
PA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
City:
Johnstown
State:
PA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Portage is supported by nearby facilities like Conemaugh Miners Medical Center, and over 92% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, the community offers solid healthcare resources for its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Conemaugh Miners Medical Center
Address:
290 Haida Ave, Hastings, PA 16646
Phone:
(814) 247-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portage, PA?
Portage’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $77,800 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71.9%. Rents are low, vacancy rates are moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$77,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$685
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle services through Pennsylvania’s PennDOT, with comprehensive resources available both in Harrisburg and online. The DMV provides essential services for drivers and vehicle owners in a straightforward manner.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.