Portage Lakes, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,913
-4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,375/yr
-2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,323
-1.9% year-over-year change

Portage Lakes population

How many people live in Portage Lakes

Portage Lakes is home to 5,913 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Portage Lakes locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
5,913
-4.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
2,884
Female
51.2%
3,029
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,884 48.8% -7.6%
Female 3,029 51.2% -1.6%
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 Lakes is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.4% are children under 15, then 7.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 34% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.4%
15 to 24
7.2%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
34%
Over 65
27.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 437 7.4% -25.4%
15 to 24 426 7.2% -10.5%
25 to 44 1,400 23.7% -3.5%
45 to 64 2,012 34% -3.5%
Over 65 1,638 27.7% 2.4%
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 Lakes, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.3% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,652 95.6% -5.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 164 2.8% 16.3%
Non-citizens 97 1.6% -9.3%
Racial breakdown
White
86.3%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 5,105 86.3%
Black or African American 297 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.2%
Asian 101 1.7%
Two or more races 369 6.2%
Other 29 0.5%

Households in Portage Lakes

A peek inside Portage Lakes households

Portage Lakes has 3,159 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48% are families, while the remaining 52% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,159
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,641
Family households
1,518
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,641 52% 3.9%
Family households 1,518 48% -5.9%
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 Lakes

The housing landscape of Portage Lakes

Portage Lakes's housing consists of 3,323 units, with 68.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,323
-1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,277 68.5%
1 unit, attached 43 1.3%
2 units 91 2.7%
3 or 4 units 197 5.9%
5 to 9 units 281 8.5%
10 to 19 units 159 4.8%
20 to 49 units 192 5.8%
50 or more units 57 1.7%
Mobile home 26 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portage Lakes

In Portage Lakes, the median construction year is 1962. About 20.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 685 20.6% -17.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 473 14.2% 11.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 445 13.4% -18.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 379 11.4% 15.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 146 4.4% 32.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 433 13% -6.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 28 0.8% -83.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 530 16% 34.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 6.1% 70.0%
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 Lakes occupancy rates

Out of the 3,159 occupied housing units in Portage Lakes, 61.4% are owner-occupied, while 38.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,159
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,218
Owner occupied
1,941
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,218 38.6% 11.4%
Owner occupied 1,941 61.4% -7.5%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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 Lakes housing costs

Housing costs in Portage Lakes come to a median of $1,077 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,162.

Median housing costs per month
$1,077/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 Lakes
$1,162/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 Lakes

Portage Lakes education at a glance

About 41.4% of the population in Portage Lakes went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 16.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 60 1.1% 22.4%
High school diploma 2,218 41.4% 4.1%
College diploma 1,023 19.1% -2.5%
Associate degree 413 7.7% -11.9%
Bachelor's degree 908 16.9% -9.7%
Graduate degree 737 13.8% -6.3%
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 Lakes

How much people earn in Portage Lakes

The average annual household income in Portage Lakes was $90,465 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,375, reflecting a -2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portage Lakes
$90,465/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portage Lakes
$64,375/year
-2.5% year-over-year change

Portage Lakes income by age

In Portage Lakes, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,986. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,470 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $80,368, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,761 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $80,368 9.0%
25 - 44 $65,986 -12.4%
45 - 64 $82,470 -5.9%
Over 65 $46,761 -8.8%
Above poverty level
5,202
Below poverty level
702
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,202 88.1% -6.7%
Below poverty level 702 11.9% 13.6%

Average renter income in Portage Lakes

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Portage Lakes, their median household income was $63,861 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,861
Rent-to-income ratio
21.8%
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 Lakes

Workforce and job types in Portage Lakes

The job market in Portage Lakes is powered by 3,384 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 70.3% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,384
-4.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,636
Blue collar
748
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,636 77.9% -3.9%
Blue collar 748 22.1% -8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
70.3%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 251 7.4% 6.4%
Private companies 2,379 70.3% -7.7%
Governmental workers 532 15.7% 12.2%
Not for profit companies 222 6.6% -18.4%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
-4.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Portage Lakes stands at 6.6%, 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 Lakes

How people get around in Portage Lakes

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,883 88.9% -6.8%
Walk 1 0% 0.0%
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.

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FAQs about Portage Lakes demographics 

What is the total population of Portage Lakes?

Portage Lakes has a total population of 5,913 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 -4.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portage Lakes?

The gender ratio in Portage Lakes is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (2,884 residents)
  • 51.2% females (3,029 residents)

What is the median age in Portage Lakes?

The median age in Portage Lakes is 51.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portage Lakes?

The age distribution in Portage Lakes is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.4% (437 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.2% (426 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (1,400 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34% (2,012 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.7% (1,638 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portage Lakes?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portage Lakes is as follows:
  • White: 86.3% (5,105 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (297 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (101 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (369 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (29 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Portage Lakes.

How many housing units are there in Portage Lakes?

There are 3,323 housing units in Portage Lakes, reflecting a -1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Portage Lakes has a total of 3,159 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portage Lakes?

Portage Lakes has a median household income of $64,375, representing a -2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.4% in Portage Lakes, with a workforce of 3,384 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.9% (2,636 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.1% (748 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (251 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.3% (2,379 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (532 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (222 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