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Portage

#2 in Best Places to Live in Kalamazoo Area
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Town in Michigan
  • 95 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A
    2. Crime & Safety
      B-
    3. Housing
      A-
    4. Nightlife
      B
    5. Good for Families
      A+
    6. Diversity
      B+
    7. Jobs
      B+
    8. Weather
      C-
    9. Cost of Living
      B+
    10. Health & Fitness
      A-
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A-
    12. Commute
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Portage is a town in Michigan with a population of 48,072. Portage is in Kalamazoo County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Portage offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Portage there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Portage and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Portage are highly rated.
    About Portage...
    Population
    48,072

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $153,800
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $757
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Dense Suburban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      32%
    • Own
      68%
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    Portage Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    B-
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      148.4
      282.7
    • Murder
      0
      6.1
    • Rape
      59
      40.7
    • Robbery
      30.5
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      347.7
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,432.1
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      152.5
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      13%
    • 10-17 years
      10%
    • 18-24 years
      10%
    • 25-34 years
      13%
    • 35-44 years
      12%
    • 45-54 years
      13%
    • 55-64 years
      13%
    • 65+ years
      15%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      17%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      26%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      32%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      21%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      4%
      13%

    Working in Portage

    Jobs
    B+
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $60,260
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Portage
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    Portage Reviews

    95 reviews
    All Categories
    Portage is a small town in Kalamazoo County that has mostly everything that you may want or need and if it doesn't, one the surrounding areas such as Grand Rapids, South Haven, and Detroit will! The main thing that I believe the town lacks but would benefit is more police. Although the town itself is quite safe, there is a shortage of police officers.
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    I have lived in Portage, Michigan for several years and my children have attended schools within the public school system. We have enjoyed our years here; the original design of the city includes neighborhood elementary schools with three middle schools and two high schools. Shopping and restaurants are convenient and numerous; churches are plentiful. The city includes a walking trail that connects to Kalamazoo, the neighboring city to the north, hosts a farmer's marker every summer, and has many options for healthy living. Portage is safe and very family-friendly as well.
    Portage is boarders the small city of Kalamazoo, MI. The town of Portage is currently expanding and growing with businesses and housing. They have nice trails to walk on that boarder a creek. Everything is easily accessible in Portage and the township keeps the environment clean. People are friendly and helpful in the community. Portage is right in the middle of Chicago and Detroit, giving us easy access to travel to a larger city. Portage has been a enjoyable place to grow up, whether you want to spend time at the mall after school or going to the public library. The police department have been very responsive in keeping our community safe. Local breweries have been moving in to keep the night life fun for adults. An enjoyable community to grow up in.