Portage County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Portage County, Wisconsin is 70,375 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $73,284, the median home value is $230,400, and the median age is 38.1.
The population of Portage County has grown 2.9% since 2010 (70,025 → 72,040), a +0.20% annualized rate.
70,375
Population
+0.20%
Annual growth
88
People / sq mi
$73,284
Median Income
$230,400
Median Home Value
Portage County covers 801 sq mi of land at 87.9 people per square mile.
About Portage County, WI
The poverty rate is what most separates Portage County from the typical county: 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 70,375 residents, Portage County is a county in Wisconsin. It ranks #23 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
Households take in a median $73,284, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $230,400, with typical rent around $903.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 33.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. About 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Portage County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Portage County had a population of 70,025 in 2010 and 72,040 in 2024, a 2.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 72,040 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.
72,040
Population (2024)
70,025
Population (2010)
72,040
Peak (2024)
0.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 70,025 |
| 2011 | 70,093 |
| 2012 | 70,436 |
| 2013 | 70,535 |
| 2014 | 70,546 |
| 2015 | 70,544 |
| 2016 | 70,483 |
| 2017 | 70,674 |
| 2018 | 70,979 |
| 2019 | 70,943 |
| 2020 | 70,412 |
| 2021 | 69,447 |
| 2022 | 70,799 |
| 2023 | 71,461 |
| 2024 | 72,040 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.1
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,284$-2,386 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,252 |
| Per-capita income | $39,476 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Portage County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
74.1%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$230,400$-17,000 vs state
Median home value
$903
Median rent
69.3%
Homeownership rate
31,496
Total housing units
94.1%
Occupied
5.9%
Vacant
30.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
17.9%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.8%
High School+
33.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Portage County, Wisconsin has a population of 70,375 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 88 people per square mile.
The population of Portage County has grown 2.9% since 2010 (70,025 → 72,040), a +0.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in Portage County, Wisconsin is $73,284, with mean (average) household income of $92,252 and per-capita income of $39,476. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Portage County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Portage County, Wisconsin is 38.1 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Portage County is $230,400 and median monthly rent is $903. 69.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 31,496 total housing units, 5.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Portage County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Portage County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
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Statewide data for Wisconsin
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Wisconsin
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.