Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Portage, WI Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSAMadison-Janesville-Beloit MSAMadison#11/57 Population

Showing latest census year. Full demographic history available with a paid plan. See products & pricing →

Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

10,236

Median Agei

37.8

Race & Ethnicityi

White

83.9%8,584

Hispanic/Latino

6.4%659

Black

5.9%602

Two or More

2.2%223

Asian

0.9%95

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.5%54

Other

0.2%19

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

10.2%745

High School Diploma

21.4%1,566

Some College (<1 yr)

10.9%798

Some College (1+ yr)

15.5%1,132

Associate's Degree

12.1%881

Bachelor's Degree

11.5%842

Master's Degree

5.5%402

Professional Degree

1.5%109

Doctorate

1.4%100

HS or Higher

90.1%

BA or Higher

19.9%

Graduate+

8.4%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$204,900

Median Renti

$1,008

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

58.6%2,420

Renter-Occupied

41.4%1,712

Total Units

4,446

Homeownership

58.6%

Vacancy Rate

7.1%

Home Values

Under $50K

9%218

$50K–$100K

3.8%92

$100K–$150K

8.3%201

$150K–$200K

26.7%646

$200K–$300K

32.1%777

$300K–$500K

19.4%470

$500K–$1M

0.7%16

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$64,722

Mean Household Incomei

$77,995

Per Capita Incomei

$31,118

Poverty Ratei

12%

Unemploymenti

3.7%

Labor Forcei

5,118

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

6.2%256

$10K–$15K

2.4%98

$15K–$20K

4.7%195

$20K–$25K

3.7%151

$25K–$30K

4%165

$30K–$35K

4.5%185

$35K–$40K

3.6%148

$40K–$45K

5.4%223

$45K–$50K

5.3%221

$50K–$60K

4.7%195

$60K–$75K

13.3%551

$75K–$100K

15.5%640

$100K–$125K

8.1%333

$125K–$150K

6.1%250

$150K–$200K

6.5%270

$200K+

6.1%251

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

216

Residentsi

290

Avg. Tenant Renti

$396/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

1 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers41 homes71% occupied$449/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 8162 homes93% occupied$383/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

202/PRAC1 homes

811/PRAC12 homes92% occupied$398/mo rent

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $64,722/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $19K/yr

78.6%

Very low income$19K–$32K/yr

20.8%

Low income$32K–$52K/yr

0.6%

Who Receives This Housing

63.8% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

8% of subsidized households are minority

39% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

47.6% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Foreign-Born Populationi

Foreign-Borni

4314.2%

By Region

Top Countries

Guatemala

Philippines

United Kingdom

Poland

Canada

Korea

Mexico

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

4,789

Avg. Commutei

22.1 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

4,927

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

595(7.2% of civilian adults)

Health Insurancei

94.4%Insured

5.6%Uninsured