Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Located in the state of Wisconsin, Portage is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,412 residents. The majority of Portage residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Portage is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Portage, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Portage could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Wisconsin if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Portage and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Wisconsin and national averages.
Portage, WI receives 73 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #137 in Wisconsin and #4,126 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Portage has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A) and housing (A). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Portage. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 156 crimes per 100,000 residents, Portage has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Portage has an unemployment rate of 2.63% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Portage excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Portage real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Portage. Median real estate prices in Portage come in at $143,400, which is 14.1% lower than the Wisconsin average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Portage, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Wisconsin average.
| Statistic | Portage | Wisconsin | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.1% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 3.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.9% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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