Portage County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Ohio
The population of Portage County, Ohio is 161,421 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $72,822, the median home value is $210,500, and the median age is 39.3.
The population of Portage County has grown 1.5% since 2010 (161,397 → 163,839), a +0.11% annualized rate.
161,421
Population
+0.11%
Annual growth
331
People / sq mi
$72,822
Median Income
$210,500
Median Home Value
Portage County covers 487 sq mi of land at 331.2 people per square mile.
About Portage County, OH
Remote work is unusually prominent in Portage County: 13.5% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Portage County is a county in Ohio with a population of 161,421. It ranks #19 among counties in Ohio by population.
Median household income is $72,822, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 7.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $210,500, with typical rent around $1,036.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 31.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.5%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Portage County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Portage County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Portage County had a population of 161,397 in 2010 and 163,839 in 2024, a 1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 163,839 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.11%.
163,839
Population (2024)
161,397
Population (2010)
163,839
Peak (2024)
0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 161,397 |
| 2011 | 161,894 |
| 2012 | 161,418 |
| 2013 | 161,746 |
| 2014 | 162,520 |
| 2015 | 162,667 |
| 2016 | 162,564 |
| 2017 | 162,441 |
| 2018 | 162,367 |
| 2019 | 162,426 |
| 2020 | 161,854 |
| 2021 | 159,086 |
| 2022 | 161,924 |
| 2023 | 163,075 |
| 2024 | 163,839 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.3
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,822+$3,142 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,386 |
| Per-capita income | $39,041 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Portage County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
75.5%
Public transit
13.5%
Work from home
25.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$210,500+$11,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,036
Median rent
70.1%
Homeownership rate
71,040
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
29.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
18.2%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.1%
With a disability
95.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
31.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Ohio
Other counties in Ohio
Part of Ohio
Metro areas in Ohio
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Portage County, Ohio has a population of 161,421 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 331 people per square mile.
The population of Portage County has grown 1.5% since 2010 (161,397 → 163,839), a +0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Portage County, Ohio is $72,822, with mean (average) household income of $94,386 and per-capita income of $39,041. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Portage County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.5%), Black or African American (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Portage County, Ohio is 39.3 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Portage County is $210,500 and median monthly rent is $1,036. 70.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 71,040 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Portage County, Ohio is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Portage County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
Portage County, OH Climate
Portage County, OH has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 1019 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
1019
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 62 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 56 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 82 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 87 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 96 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 99 mm |
| July | 21° / 71° | 100 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 93 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 98 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 75 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 87 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 84 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Portage County, OH
The most comfortable months to visit Portage County, OH are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Portage County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.