Wisconsin / Columbia County

Moving to Portage, WI

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

Considering a move to Portage, WI? This welcoming community of 10,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $215,000 and average rents near $930. 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, WI

Portage has a population of 10,800 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 89% White, 3% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
10,800
Density
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age
38.6
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.1%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.0%
Black
3.1%
Asian
2.2%
Others
5.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Portage is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8. Median home values are around $215,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $930. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$215,000
Gross Rent
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 3.5%| High: 7.7%
Cost Of Living Index
92.8
Grocery
96.5
Housing
78.4
Utilities
102.3
Transportation
93.6
Health Care
101.2
Miscellaneous
95.1

Crime

Is Portage, WI a safe place to live?

Portage is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 57. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Wisconsin.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,740
Crime Index
2,050
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 57

Weather

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

Portage experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 34 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
12°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $64,200 and a low poverty rate of 13.4%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$37,500
Household Income
$64,200
Family Income
$79,000
Per Capita Income
$30,800
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$32,500
Poverty Rate
13.4%
Non English Speakers
10.2%
Rent
$930
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
20.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
23.8%

Education

How are the schools in Portage, WI?

Portage offers quality education options, with public schools like Portage High School and Wayne Bartels Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Madison College - Portage Campus and University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Portage High School
Street
301 E Collins St
Phone
608-742-4800
Students
860
Student Teacher Ratio
14.3
Name
Wayne Bartels Middle School
Street
410 W Pleasant St
Phone
608-742-5858
Students
440
Student Teacher Ratio
13.9

Private Schools

Name
St. Mary's Catholic School
Street
307 W Cook St
Phone
608-742-5486
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Madison College - Portage Campus
City
Portage
State
WI
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,200
Name
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County
City
Baraboo
State
WI
Distance
23 miles
Students
1,300

Healthcare

Portage residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Hospital and SSM Health St. Clare Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 93.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Hospital
Address
707 14th St, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Phone
(608) 326-0808
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital
Address
1500 Jefferson St, Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone
(608) 356-1400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
93.4%
Health Care Index
72.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portage, WI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $215,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.2%. Portage offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$930
Owner Occupied Rate
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Portage handle vehicle services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Madison. 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
Wisconsin
Department
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone
(608) 264-7447

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, WI

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 10,800, median home value $215,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $930, commute time 20.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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