countyscore
52
County Score
Health 86.1Income & Jobs 74.6Schools 68.7

County Report Card

About Portage County, Wisconsin

Outperforming the National Median

Portage County secures a composite score of 52.0, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a stable environment with several key dimensions performing well above average.

Leading the Wisconsin Average

With a score of 52.0, Portage County ranks above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It serves as a reliable middle-ground for the state, blending high health outcomes with decent affordability.

Exceptional Health and Income

The county boasts an impressive health score of 86.1 and a solid income score of 74.6. Residents benefit from a median household income of $73,284 and access to quality medical infrastructure.

A Heavy Tax Burden

The local tax score of 14.0 is among the lowest in the state, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.474%. Environmental risk also poses a moderate challenge with a score of 37.3.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Residents

This county is a prime choice for individuals who prioritize wellness and professional stability. While the tax burden is high, the exceptional health and water quality provide a high-value trade-off.

Score breakdown

Tax14Cost35.2Safety54Health86.1Schools68.7Income74.6Risk37.3Water67.3Weather52
🏛14
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.2
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

Wood County
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53.1
Waushara County
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Marathon County
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Adams County
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Waupaca County
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Juneau County
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Marquette 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 slightly above U.S. average

Portage County's effective tax rate of 1.474% sits just above the national median of 1.700%, placing it near the middle of American counties. Residents pay a median of $3,396 in annual property taxes on homes valued around $230,400.

Among the highest rates in Wisconsin

At 1.474%, Portage County's effective rate runs about 3% higher than Wisconsin's average of 1.436%. This puts the county in the upper half statewide—homeowners here pay roughly $315 more annually than the state median.

Tops surrounding counties for taxes

Portage County's 1.474% rate exceeds nearby Polk County (1.222%), Rusk County (1.207%), and Price County (1.445%). Among central Wisconsin peers, only Sauk County approaches this rate at 1.504%.

Median annual tax bill reaches $3,396

A typical Portage County home valued at $230,400 incurs $3,396 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $3,520, while mortgage-free owners average $3,214.

Assessment appeals can reduce your burden

With property taxes running relatively high in Portage County, comparing your home's assessed value to comparable sales is essential. Wisconsin law allows homeowners to formally challenge assessments each year, potentially unlocking meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Portage County

via CostByCounty

Portage keeps rent costs remarkably low

Portage County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% sits almost exactly at the national average, despite a median household income of $73,284—slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755. Renters here enjoy some of Wisconsin's most affordable rental options.

Portage stands out as affordability leader

With a 14.8% rent-to-income ratio, Portage ranks among Wisconsin's most affordable counties, sitting just below the state average of 14.9%. The median rent of $903/month is $12 cheaper than the state average, reflecting strong local affordability.

Portage undercuts Polk on rent costs

Portage renters pay $903/month—$55 less than Polk County—while maintaining nearly identical affordability ratios (14.8% vs. 15.1%). Homeowners in Portage also face lower ownership costs ($1,026) compared to neighboring Polk ($1,144).

Housing costs stay below state average

At $903/month for renters and $1,026/month for homeowners, Portage offers below-average housing expenses relative to Wisconsin. The median income of $73,284 means renters dedicate roughly 14.8% of annual earnings to rent, leaving more for other essentials.

Portage: Wisconsin's affordable sweet spot

If affordability is your priority, Portage County delivers some of the state's best rent-to-income ratios with a median home value of $230,400. This county works well for cost-conscious families and renters seeking sustainable housing expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Portage County

via IncomeByCounty

Portage nearly matches nation

Portage County's median household income is $73,284, just 1.9% below the national median of $74,755. The county holds its own against typical American earnings, reflecting stable economic conditions.

Upper-middle tier in state

Portage County earns $73,284 annually, outpacing Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $1,569. This consistent advantage places Portage firmly in the state's upper-middle income cohort across its 72 counties.

Ahead of rural counterparts

Portage's $73,284 median exceeds Price County ($58,720) by 24.8% and Rusk County ($58,322) by 25.7%. Among its regional peers, Portage maintains a competitive income edge in central Wisconsin.

Strong rental affordability

Portage County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is among the most affordable in the state, well below the 28-30% sustainability benchmark. A median home value of $230,400 keeps homeownership within reach for households at the county median.

Your income supports growth

With per capita income of $39,476, Portage households have genuine capacity for wealth-building. A 14.8% rent-to-income ratio leaves room to invest—prioritize emergency funds, then explore diversified portfolio growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Portage County

via CrimeByCounty

Portage County Beats National Crime Averages

Portage County achieves a strong safety score of 98.4, far exceeding national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 1,040.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Wisconsin Average

Portage County's crime rate of 1,040.1 sits just below the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1. This places the county in a favorable position compared to the state's more urbanized areas.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Peers

Compared to Rock County's rate of 1,736.7, Portage offers a much quieter environment for its residents. It maintains a consistent safety profile typical of central Wisconsin.

Focusing on Property Crime Statistics

The data shows a violent crime rate of 162.2 and a property crime rate of 877.9 per 100,000 residents. Most recorded offenses involve property, mirroring trends seen across the state.

Proactive Steps for Portage Residents

High safety scores are a community asset that residents can help preserve. Installing a doorbell camera provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for Portage households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Portage County

via HealthByCounty

Portage County leads in life expectancy

At 79.3 years, Portage County residents outlive the U.S. average by 1.8 years, with only 14.5% reporting poor or fair health—well below national norms. This strong performance reflects healthier lifestyles and better access to preventive care across the county.

Wisconsin's health standout

Portage County ranks among Wisconsin's healthiest communities with a 1.5-year advantage over the state's 77.8-year average and a notably lower 6.3% uninsured rate. This outperformance positions Portage as a model for health outcomes in the state.

Clear advantage over regional peers

Portage County's 79.3-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Price County (78.4) and Sauk County (77.7), while its 14.5% poor/fair health rate is lowest in the region. Mental health provider access at 166 per 100K is solid, though primary care availability at 45 per 100K trails Polk County (79 per 100K).

Strong outcomes with modest care gaps

Portage County's 6.3% uninsured rate is the lowest among comparison counties, protecting most residents from sudden medical debt. However, primary care provider density at 45 per 100K means some rural areas may face longer travel times for routine appointments.

Ensure your family stays protected

Even with Portage County's strong insurance rates, 6% of residents remain uninsured and vulnerable to catastrophic costs from accidents or illness. If you lack coverage or face gaps, explore Wisconsin Medicaid or ACA plans today at HealthCare.gov—preventive care is both healthier and cheaper.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Portage County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Growing School System

Portage County manages 31 public schools across 6 districts, serving a total student body of 9,337. The landscape includes 15 elementary schools and a variety of specialized facilities, including alternative and special education schools.

Strong Results Across the Board

Portage County students achieve a 92.8% graduation rate, outpacing both the Wisconsin state average and the national benchmark. With a school score of 57.2, the county demonstrates solid academic quality even with a lean per-pupil budget of $8,001.

Stevens Point Area School District Excellence

The Stevens Point Area Public School District is the county's educational anchor, serving nearly 7,000 students across 17 different schools. Charter schools play a significant role here, representing 16.1% of the total public school options.

Balanced Rural and Town Learning

The county offers a mix of town and rural locales, with schools averaging 301 students. Stevens Point Area Senior High provides a large-campus experience for 1,462 students, while numerous smaller primary schools offer personalized attention.

Find Your Home Near Top-Rated Schools

Families value Portage County for its mix of traditional excellence and innovative charter school options. Consider local real estate near Stevens Point to benefit from one of the most robust districts in Central Wisconsin.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Portage County

via RiskByCounty

Portage County's risk slightly outpaces nation

Portage County's composite risk score of 62.72 and Relatively Low rating indicate risk just above national norms across all hazard types. While not among America's highest-risk counties, residents should maintain standard natural disaster preparedness measures.

Slightly above Wisconsin's midline

At 62.72, Portage County ranks above Wisconsin's 59.08 state average but falls comfortably in the lower-to-middle risk tier across the state. This reflects Wisconsin's generally moderate natural hazard profile relative to more vulnerable regions nationwide.

Lower risk than nearby Polk County

Portage County's score of 62.72 sits slightly below neighboring Polk County's 63.30, making them quite similar in overall exposure. Both counties face comparable tornado threats, though Portage experiences notably higher flood risk (66.79 vs. 55.18), reflecting its position in a wetter region.

Floods and tornadoes are primary concerns

Tornado risk at 70.20 and flood risk at 66.79 dominate Portage County's hazard profile, while wildfire risk is relatively low at 32.35. The combination of frequent severe thunderstorms and water damage exposure means dual preparedness is essential here.

Prioritize flood and wind protection

Portage County residents should invest in flood insurance immediately—especially those in low-lying areas or near rivers—since standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Reinforced roof anchoring and impact-resistant windows can reduce tornado damage; schedule an inspection to assess your home's storm resilience.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Portage County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Humid Continental Climate

Portage County's 44.2°F average temperature sits roughly 10 degrees below the national median. This humid continental climate experiences sharp seasonal shifts throughout the year.

Matching the Wisconsin State Average

The county closely mirrors the Wisconsin state average temperature of 44.4°F. It sits in the middle of the pack for temperature across the state's 72 counties.

Consistent Central Wisconsin Weather Patterns

Portage sees 34.0 inches of annual precipitation, nearly identical to the state average. This aligns closely with neighboring Wood County's central Wisconsin climate profile.

Cold Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are cold with an average temperature of 18.6°F and 48.7 inches of snowfall. Residents enjoy mild summers with only 4 days hitting 90°F or higher.

Prepare for Snow and Deep Freezes

Homeowners should prioritize high-quality insulation to handle the nearly 50 inches of snow. Modern HVAC systems help manage the occasional heat spikes during July's 69.7°F average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Portage County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic profiles in the heart of Wisconsin

Portage County soils carry an average pH of 5.35, notably lower than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the acidity level suggests a need for careful soil management for most traditional crops.

Sand-heavy soils dominate the region

The soil is remarkably sandy at 56.0%, paired with 22.7% silt and 6.6% clay. This composition leads to rapid drainage but may require more frequent irrigation and fertilization to maintain nutrient levels.

Surpassing state averages for organic matter

At 13.92% organic matter, Portage exceeds the state average of 11.02% and dwarfs the 2.0% national benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is lower than the Wisconsin average, reflecting the sand-dominant texture.

Limited data on county drainage classes

Regional drainage class and hydrologic group data are not currently specified for this county. Local observations usually suggest high permeability in these sand-heavy areas, which is a critical factor for building and farming.

Diverse potential in Zone 4b

The 4b hardiness zone supports a variety of cool-season crops like potatoes and berries. Use the high 13.92% organic matter to your advantage by starting a robust vegetable garden this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Portage County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Wisconsin Lawn Conditions in Portage

Portage County earns a 63.2 lawn difficulty score, placing it nearly identical to the state average of 64.4. Residents in Hardiness Zone 4b face typical Midwestern challenges, including a shorter growing season and a need for cold-hardy turf varieties.

Balanced Rainfall and Cooling Breezes

Annual precipitation of 34.0 inches keeps lawns hydrated, aligning almost perfectly with the Wisconsin state average. With only 4 extreme heat days per year, your grass is less likely to go dormant from heat stress compared to southern counties.

Sandy Loam Needs Soil Adjustments

Your soil is quite sandy at 56.0%, which provides excellent drainage but may struggle to hold onto moisture and nutrients. The 5.35 pH level is below the 6.0-7.0 ideal range, so testing for soil amendments is a critical first step for a green lawn.

Steady Moisture but Recent Dryness

While only 2.1% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the county experienced 11 weeks of drought conditions over the last year. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain moisture in these sandy soils during the occasional dry week.

Time Your Seeding for Portage Success

Cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass are the top choices for this region. Plan your primary lawn work between the May 6th last frost and the October 7th first frost to maximize the 2,312 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portage County's county score?
Portage County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 52 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 Wisconsin?
Portage County ranks #30 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Portage County is $3,396, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Portage County a tax score of 14/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Portage County?
The median household income in Portage County, Wisconsin is $73,284 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Portage County earns an income score of 74.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Portage County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Portage County scores 52/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Wisconsin. 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.