RANK #13 / 996 · POP 70,281 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +4.3%
Portage County, Wisconsin, offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and community spirit, often highlighted by its connection to the Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile footpath winding through diverse landscapes. Located in central Wisconsin, the county seat, Stevens Point, is approximately 110 miles from Madison and 150 miles from Milwaukee, with major highways like I-39 providing convenient commutes. The community maintains a welcoming atmosphere, with a strong sense of local pride evident in its historic districts and local festivals. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with numerous parks, lakes, and rivers, including the Wisconsin River, offering year-round activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and disc golf.
Life in Portage County is characterized by a balance of educational opportunities and access to nature. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point contributes to a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the area's school districts, such as Stevens Point Area Public School District, generally show high graduation rates. The economy is supported by a diverse base, including agriculture, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. Recent economic developments show ongoing capital investments by existing companies and the creation of new facilities, with a focus on sectors like advanced manufacturing and green business. The county has also seen community engagement around solar development.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Vista Sands Solar Farm
Doral LLC
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Portage Solar Project
Geronimo Power
|
$250M | Operating |
|
Portage County Courthouse Renovation
Portage County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Portage County Jail and Law Enforcement Center
Portage County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Columbia Energy Storage Project
Alliant Energy, Energy Dome, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Madison Gas and Electric
|
$30M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Portage County has a Boom Town Index score of 99/100, ranking #13 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $71,301, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Portage County is $214,700 with median rent at $876/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3321, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +11.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.51% of Portage County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.