countyscore
42.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 73.4Health 70.9Lawn Care 70.8

County Report Card

About Portage County, Ohio

Portage Lags National Median

Portage County's composite score of 42.7 trails the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more challenges than the typical American community.

Trailing Ohio's Livability Average

The county falls below the Ohio state average of 48.6. It faces significant competition from nearby counties that offer more favorable tax and housing cost profiles.

High Incomes and Wellness Focus

Residents benefit from high earning power, reflected in an income score of 73.4 and a $72,822 median household income. Health is a standout feature with an impressive score of 70.9.

Tax and Housing Affordability

High local taxes and housing costs are primary drawbacks, with scores of 21.1 and 23.9 respectively. An effective tax rate of 1.296% puts a notable dent in the average household budget.

A Choice for Healthy Earners

Portage is a good fit for healthcare-conscious professionals who can afford to pay a premium for local services. It rewards those who prioritize community wellness and high salary ceilings.

Score breakdown

Tax21.1Cost23.9Safety35.6Health70.9Schools56.5Income73.4Risk34.9Water62.3Weather55
🏛21.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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33.7
Mahoning County
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38.6
Stark County
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38
Geauga County
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Deep Dives

Portage County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Portage County

via TaxByCounty

Portage County taxes above national average

Portage County's effective tax rate of 1.296% ranks in the top tier nationally, exceeding the national median of 1.172% by a meaningful margin. At $2,728 median, the annual tax bill slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, placing Portage among America's higher-tax counties.

Portage outpaces most of Ohio on tax rate

With a 1.296% effective rate, Portage County ranks above Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median tax of $2,728 far exceeds Ohio's median of $2,145, a difference of $583 annually.

Portage County's the regional tax leader

Portage's 1.296% rate is the highest among these eight counties, substantially above Pike (0.855%), Putnam (0.976%), and even Pickaway (1.034%). Residents here shoulder the heaviest tax burden in this peer group.

Median home costs $2,728 in annual taxes

A typical Portage County home valued at $210,500 generates an annual property tax bill of $2,728. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $2,892; without a mortgage, it falls to $2,445.

Higher taxes make assessment accuracy crucial

In high-tax Portage County, even a small overassessment translates to real dollars wasted. Request a free reassessment from your county auditor if your home's current assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Portage County

via CostByCounty

Portage renters pay above national average

Portage County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm despite a median household income of $72,822 that nearly matches the national median. The county's $1,036 monthly median rent—the highest among these eight counties—drives this above-average burden.

Ohio's priciest rental market here

Portage's median rent of $1,036 towers 18.7% above Ohio's state average of $873, making it the most expensive rental county in this analysis. With a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio, Portage exceeds the state average of 15.6%, signaling a genuinely tight rental market.

Premium pricing in northeast Ohio

Portage renters pay $1,036 monthly—$71 more than Pickaway and $203 more than Pike County. The premium likely reflects Portage's proximity to Akron and stronger regional job markets, distinguishing it sharply from rural southern Ohio alternatives.

Housing absorbs nearly one-fifth of income

Portage households allocate $1,036 to rent or $1,120 to mortgages while earning $72,822 annually, committing 17.1% to rent and 18.6% to ownership costs. These percentages approach the federal cost-burden threshold, limiting discretionary spending for residents.

Best for those prioritizing job access

Portage's higher housing costs reflect its stronger regional economy and proximity to major employers—a worthwhile trade-off if wage growth justifies the expense. Compare Portage's job market against cheaper counties like Pike or Preble before deciding if the premium is worth your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Portage County

via IncomeByCounty

Portage tracks near the national average

Portage County's median household income of $72,822 sits 2.6% below the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the American middle. This demonstrates consistent earning power in a northeast Ohio community anchored by education and industrial employment.

Strong performer statewide

At $72,822, Portage exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by 6.9%, ranking among the state's most prosperous counties. The presence of Youngstown State University and manufacturing facilities helps sustain above-average household earnings across the region.

Nearly identical to Pickaway

Portage's $72,822 income nearly mirrors Pickaway County's $72,927, with less than $100 separating the two communities. Both outpace Pike County and Richland County significantly, while remaining below the region's highest earner, Putnam County, at $82,785.

Balanced housing costs support stability

Portage County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% keeps housing affordable, with renters spending roughly one-sixth of household income on rent. The median home value of $210,500 aligns with median incomes, creating stable ownership opportunities for middle-income families.

Leverage education and employer benefits

Portage County's strong ties to education and stable employers make retirement plans and professional development investments particularly valuable. With per capita income of $39,041 and affordable housing, households can confidently allocate income toward long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Portage County

via CrimeByCounty

Portage County Balances Safety and Growth

Portage County reports a safety score of 97.6, nearly matching the national standard. Its crime rate of 1493.0 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the 2,385.5 national average.

Matching the Ohio Safety Benchmark

Portage County’s 97.6 safety score is almost identical to the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1493.0 per 100K slightly exceeds the state average of 1412.3.

Steady Safety in Northeast Ohio

With 14 agencies reporting, Portage maintains a consistent safety profile compared to nearby counties. It experiences roughly 350 fewer crimes per 100K than neighboring Pickaway.

Focusing on Local Property Crimes

Violent crime in Portage is low at 132.7 per 100K, well under the state average of 180.9. Property crime accounts for 1360.3 incidents, representing the primary concern for local residents.

Monitor Your Property Effectively

Because property crime represents over 90% of local reports, smart security is essential. Investing in alarm systems can help deter opportunistic theft in residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Portage County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy exceeds U.S. and state averages

Portage County residents live to 76.4 years, surpassing both the U.S. average (74.8 years) and Ohio's average (74.8 years) by 1.6 years. Just 16.9% report poor or fair health, among the best rates in this eight-county region.

Portage ranks in Ohio's healthier tier

At 76.4 years, Portage's life expectancy sits in the upper half of Ohio counties. The 6.3% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.5%, showing strong insurance penetration and healthcare access.

Second-best outcomes, tied with Putnam

Portage's 76.4-year life expectancy ranks second in this cohort, trailing only Putnam County's 78.2 years. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate is tied for lowest with Putnam, marking Portage as a health leader in the region.

Strong primary care, solid mental health network

Portage County provides 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 251 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring reasonable access to both basic and specialized care. The 6.3% uninsured rate means most residents have pathways to regular treatment.

Stay insured with open enrollment

Portage leads the region in coverage, but enrollment changes happen every year. Check healthcare.gov during open enrollment to ensure your plan still fits your health needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Portage County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Options in Portage County

Portage County maintains a large network of 48 public schools, serving a significant student population of 20,031. With 13 distinct school districts, the county offers an expansive mix of 21 elementary, 11 middle, and 12 high schools. This infrastructure supports a wide variety of academic paths for families in the region.

Steady Results and Competitive Spending

The county's 88.3% graduation rate perfectly matches the Ohio state average and sits above the national 87.0% benchmark. Portage County spends $8,504 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $7,994 and contributing to a healthy 55.9 composite school score. These metrics reflect a well-funded system that consistently delivers baseline state expectations.

Kent and Aurora Lead Large Districts

Kent City is the largest traditional district with 3,221 students, closely followed by Aurora City with 3,044. A unique feature is the Bio-Med Science Academy STEM School, a specialized facility serving 1,013 students from across the area. Despite the large system, there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Suburban Focus with Regional Scale

A majority of the county's 48 schools are located in suburban settings, though 14 rural and six town schools round out the mix. Theodore Roosevelt High in Kent is the largest campus with 1,245 students, while the average school size across the county is 435. This blend of environments allows families to choose between bustling suburban campuses and quieter rural settings.

Settling Down Near Top-Tier Districts

Portage County's mix of suburban and rural districts like Aurora and Kent makes it a premier destination for families. High-performing schools are a cornerstone of the local real estate market, driving interest in both new developments and established neighborhoods. Explore the diverse housing options near these reputable districts to find your ideal home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Portage County

via RiskByCounty

Portage faces elevated national risk

Portage County's composite risk score of 65.08 places it above the national average despite its "Relatively Low" state-level rating. The county experiences notably higher natural disaster threats than most American counties.

Among Ohio's highest-risk counties

With a score of 65.08, Portage significantly exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by more than 10 points. The county ranks as one of Ohio's most hazard-prone regions.

Portage leads peers in risk

Portage (65.08) faces substantially higher risk than all nearby counties—Sandusky (56.74), Richland (61.32), and Preble (43.29). Its elevated scores reflect concentrated exposure to multiple hazard types across northeastern Ohio.

Flooding and tornadoes pose real threats

Portage's flood risk of 75.25 ranks among the state's highest, while tornado risk at 70.45 exceeds Ohio's typical patterns. Together, these two hazards account for the county's outsized risk profile.

Comprehensive insurance is critical

Flood insurance is essential in Portage County—your flood risk of 75.25 is among Ohio's worst and demands dedicated coverage. Review your homeowners policy for tornado/wind protection and consider a safe room or basement reinforcement for severe storm events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Portage County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold, Snowy Pocket of the Midwest

Portage County is significantly cooler than the national median, with an annual average temperature of only 48.6°F. It is a high-precipitation area, receiving 43.6 inches of moisture annually. This climate is defined by its position in the Great Lakes region, which influences its heavy winter totals.

One of Ohio’s Coldest and Snowiest Counties

Portage County is nearly 3 degrees colder than the 51.5°F Ohio state average. It is also much wetter than average, receiving 43.6 inches of precipitation compared to the 41.2-inch state mark. These numbers reflect its reputation as a snowy northern outpost.

Extreme Snow Compared to Southern Neighbors

Portage County receives a staggering 54 inches of snow annually, nearly five times the amount seen in Pike County. While southern neighbors like Pike deal with 26 heat days, Portage only sees 10. The winter climate here is much more intense than almost anywhere else in the region.

Mild Summers and Brutal Lake-Effect Winters

July remains comfortable with a 71.3°F average and only 10 days of extreme heat. However, winter is dominant, featuring a 27.3°F average from December to February and 54 inches of snowfall. January is particularly cold, averaging just 24.9°F.

Prepare for Major Snow Removal

Residents must own high-quality snow blowers and winterize their homes thoroughly against the 54-inch annual snowfall. AC is a lower priority than in southern Ohio, as the summers are relatively mild. Focus on roof maintenance to handle heavy snow loads during the peak winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Portage County

via SoilByCounty

Portage's High-Acid Loam Soils

Portage County is characterized by Alfisols with a loam texture and a notably acidic pH of 5.46. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.97, which can influence nutrient availability for certain crops.

The Classic Loam Balance

The soil is composed of 50.0% silt, 28.9% sand, and 16.5% clay, providing a textbook loam structure. This mix provides excellent workability and enough clay to hold onto vital plant nutrients.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 6.15% organic matter, Portage County far exceeds the Ohio state average of 4.85%. This high biological activity helps offset the slightly lower available water capacity of 0.185 in/in.

Managing the Wet Season

The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained, falling into hydrologic group C/D. This means drainage can be slow, requiring careful management or raised beds for sensitive garden plants and home foundations.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 6a

Situated in hardiness zone 6a, this county is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons. Despite a soil score of 59.2, the rich organic matter makes it a rewarding place for a backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Portage County

via LawnByCounty

A Cooler Climate with Unique Soil Hurdles

Portage County’s difficulty score of 70.8 is slightly below the state average, reflecting a shorter, cooler growing season in Zone 6a. While heat stress is low, acidic and poorly drained soils require more active management from local gardeners.

Ample Rain but Limited Growing Degree Days

With 43.6 inches of rain and only 10 extreme heat days, lawns stay hydrated with less effort than in southern Ohio. However, the relatively low 2,684 growing degree days mean grass establishes more slowly, requiring patience during the spring green-up.

Addressing High Acidity and Slow Drainage

The soil pH of 5.46 is quite acidic, necessitating regular lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. Because the soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained, homeowners should core aerate annually to prevent compaction and root rot.

Stable Moisture Levels Drive Lawn Success

Portage has seen only four weeks of drought in the past year, and the area is currently 100% drought-free. Given the slow drainage of the local loam, overwatering is a bigger risk here than underwatering.

Wait for May to Start Your Lawn

With the last frost typically hitting around May 1, Portage has a shorter window for spring seeding than its neighbors. Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue thrive in these cooler conditions, especially if planted in early autumn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portage County's county score?
Portage County, Ohio has a composite county score of 42.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Portage County rank among counties in Ohio?
Portage County ranks #63 among all counties in Ohio on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Portage County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Portage County is $2,728, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Portage County a tax score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Portage County?
The median household income in Portage County, Ohio is $72,822 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Portage County earns an income score of 73.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Portage County, Ohio a good place to live?
Portage County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Portage County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Portage County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.