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.
Portage, Wisconsin is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,657 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (90% White). Given that fact, Portage could be considered less diverse than other cities. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Portage, only 48% of the population is 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.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Portage, Wisconsin could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Portage, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, health & safety and more.
Portage has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #111 in Wisconsin and #3,110 in the USA. Clearly, Portage is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Portage ranks well for crime (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Portage does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
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 80 crimes per 100,000 residents, Portage has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Portage market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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 $262,488, which is 12.9% 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 3.4, which is 8.1% lower than the Wisconsin 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 | 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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