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
Portage County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 70,375. It ranks #23 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 38.1, in line with the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Portage County is $73,284, near the US median of $74,580. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $230,400, with monthly rent averaging $903. The homeownership rate of 69.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Portage County reflects 33.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.5 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.