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
Portage County is a county in Ohio with a population of 161,421. It ranks #19 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 39.3, in line with the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Portage County is $72,822, near the US median of $74,580. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $210,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,036. The homeownership rate of 70.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Portage County reflects 31.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.5% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.5 minutes each way.
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+
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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.
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Statewide data for Ohio
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.