Portage, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
38,082
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,276/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,790
-0.3% year-over-year change

Portage population

How many people live in Portage

Portage is home to 38,082 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Portage locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
38,082
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
18,258
Female
52.1%
19,824
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,258 47.9% -0.6%
Female 19,824 52.1% 1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Portage is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 27.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
27.4%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,811 17.9% -3.7%
15 to 24 4,463 11.7% -2.1%
25 to 44 10,279 27% 0.5%
45 to 64 10,431 27.4% 8.4%
Over 65 6,098 16% -5.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Portage, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.1% of locals are Caucasian, 10% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,094 94.8% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,421 3.7% 11.1%
Non-citizens 567 1.5% 43.2%
Racial breakdown
White
73.1%
Black or African American
10%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.3%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 27,821 73.1%
Black or African American 3,824 10%
American Indian and Alaska Native 43 0.1%
Asian 474 1.2%
Two or more races 4,312 11.3%
Other 1,608 4.2%

Households in Portage

A peek inside Portage households

Portage has 14,938 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.9% are families, while the remaining 32.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,938
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,790
Family households
10,148
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,790 32.1% -4.7%
Family households 10,148 67.9% 2.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Portage

The housing landscape of Portage

Portage's housing consists of 15,790 units, with 70.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,790
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,106 70.3%
1 unit, attached 705 4.5%
2 units 443 2.8%
3 or 4 units 281 1.8%
5 to 9 units 805 5.1%
10 to 19 units 465 2.9%
20 to 49 units 388 2.5%
50 or more units 237 1.5%
Mobile home 1,333 8.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 27 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
124
5.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portage

In Portage, the median construction year is 1981. About 4.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 703 4.4% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 265 1.7% 17.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,753 11.1% 5.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,324 14.7% -11.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,653 16.8% -8.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,011 12.7% 7.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,504 15.9% 1.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,160 13.7% -7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,293 8.2% 32.2%
Built in 2020 or later 124 0.8% 5.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Portage occupancy rates

Out of the 14,938 occupied housing units in Portage, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,938
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,051
Owner occupied
10,887
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,051 27.1% -3.9%
Owner occupied 10,887 72.9% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Portage housing costs

Housing costs in Portage come to a median of $1,225 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,231.

Median housing costs per month
$1,225/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Portage
$1,231/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Portage

Portage education at a glance

About 45.4% of the population in Portage went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 12.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 960 3.2% 7.1%
High school diploma 13,687 45.4% -6.9%
College diploma 7,831 26% 6.0%
Associate degree 2,286 7.6% 7.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,726 12.4% 8.3%
Graduate degree 1,656 5.5% 42.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Portage

How much people earn in Portage

The average annual household income in Portage was $91,051 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $76,276, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portage
$91,051/year
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portage
$76,276/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Portage income by age

In Portage, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,544. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,844 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,732, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,417 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,732 5.5%
25 - 44 $89,544 3.3%
45 - 64 $90,844 3.4%
Over 65 $46,417 6.5%
Above poverty level
32,951
Below poverty level
4,365
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,951 88.3% 0.1%
Below poverty level 4,365 11.7% 4.0%

Average renter income in Portage

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Portage, their median household income was $36,935 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,935
Rent-to-income ratio
40%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Portage

Workforce and job types in Portage

The job market in Portage is powered by 18,468 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 76.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
18,468
3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
12,356
Blue collar
6,112
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,356 66.9% 8.1%
Blue collar 6,112 33.1% -4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
76.9%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,130 6.1% 1.9%
Private companies 14,202 76.9% 7.2%
Governmental workers 1,769 9.6% -14.4%
Not for profit companies 1,367 7.4% -0.7%
Unemployment rate
7.4%
5.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Portage stands at 7.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Portage

How people get around in Portage

Commuting methods vary: 91.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,528 91.2% 1.9%
Taxicab 12 0.1% N/A
Subway or elevated 12 0.1% N/A
Railroad 168 0.9% 28.2%
Walk 56 0.3% 19.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Portage by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46368 40,301 15,802 $76,368 $93,848

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FAQs about Portage demographics 

What is the total population of Portage?

Portage has a total population of 38,082 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portage?

The gender ratio in Portage is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (18,258 residents)
  • 52.1% females (19,824 residents)

What is the median age in Portage?

The median age in Portage is 39.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portage?

The age distribution in Portage is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (6,811 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (4,463 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (10,279 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.4% (10,431 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (6,098 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portage?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portage is as follows:
  • White: 73.1% (27,821 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10% (3,824 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (43 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (474 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.3% (4,312 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (1,608 residents)

What percentage of the population in Portage are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Portage.

How many housing units are there in Portage?

There are 15,790 housing units in Portage, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Portage and what is the average household size?

Portage has a total of 14,938 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portage?

Portage has a median household income of $76,276, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Portage?

The employment rate is 92.6% in Portage, with a workforce of 18,468 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.9% (12,356 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.1% (6,112 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (1,130 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.9% (14,202 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (1,769 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (1,367 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025