Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portage, WI
Considering a move to Portage, WI? This friendly city of 10,387 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $197,000 and average rents at $950. Portage boasts a short average commute of 20.5 minutes, a low unemployment rate, and convenient access to quality healthcare. With crime rates below many urban centers, solid public schools, and four-season climate, Portage is a welcoming choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Portage, WI
Demographics - Portage, WI
Portage, WI is home to 10,387 residents, with a median age of 40.6 and a population density of about 1,070 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White at over 91%, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and around 6% of residents speak a language other than English. The gender balance is nearly even, making Portage a diverse yet close-knit small city.
Population:
10,387
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
2.9%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portage, WI?
Portage offers a relatively low cost of living, with a cost of living index of 88.6—well below the national average. Median home values are around $197,000 and average rents are about $950, making housing affordable for many families. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, helping residents manage everyday expenses comfortably.
Median House Value:
$197,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.6
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Portage, WI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Portage are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 417, which is lower than in many urban areas. Overall, Portage is considered a relatively safe place to live, especially for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
240
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,340
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Portage, WI year-round?
Portage experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 10°F and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. The city gets about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year, offering residents a balanced climate for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall provide mild, comfortable transitions between the seasonal extremes.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Portage enjoy a median income of $53,300, with a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and a poverty rate of 12.2%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and daily commutes average just over 20 minutes. The community is welcoming and stable, with affordable rents and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$35,400
Household Income:
$53,300
Family Income:
$66,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,200
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
12.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Portage, WI?
Portage features solid public and private school options, including Portage High School and St. John’s Lutheran School, with favorable student-teacher ratios. The community supports educational attainment, with nearly 94% of adults holding a high school diploma and the University of Wisconsin–Madison just 33 miles away for higher education. Families can expect a supportive learning environment and accessible educational resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Portage High School
Street:
301 E Collins St
Phone:
608-742-8545
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Wayne Bartels Middle School
Street:
2505 New Pinery Rd
Phone:
608-742-2165
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. John’s Lutheran School
Street:
430 W Emmett St
Phone:
608-742-9000
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin – Madison
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
47,000
Healthcare
Portage residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by Divine Savior Healthcare, which provides emergency and surgical services. The area maintains a strong healthcare index and nearly 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. With about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, medical care is accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Divine Savior Healthcare
Address:
2817 New Pinery Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Phone:
(608) 742-4131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portage, WI?
With a median home price of $197,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950, Portage offers an affordable housing market. Owner-occupancy rates are close to 60%, and home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year. The local market is stable, with low vacancy and foreclosure rates supporting long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$197,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Portage residents are served by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles located on New Pinery Road, offering convenient access to licensing, registration, and other vehicle services. The office provides both in-person and online options to meet the community’s needs. Residents can find more information and complete transactions efficiently through the DMV website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2957 New Pinery Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
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.