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.
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.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Portage, Michigan is a medium-sized city with a population of 50,237 people. The majority of Portage residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Portage. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Portage can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Portage and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.
Using data and statistics Portage has received a livability score of 80/100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Portage ranks well in multiple categories! Portage has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Portage ranks very well for education (A), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Portage. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (D-) and crime (D).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Portage can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Portage is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Portage come in at $314,417, which is 33.3% higher than the Michigan 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 3.2, which is 0% lower than the Michigan average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Portage | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.4% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.1% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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