Special Interest
Housing in Portage County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Portage County averages $940/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Wisconsin median of $1,087 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 25% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Portage County FMR Area are $758 for a studio, $842 for 1‑bedroom, $1,099 for 2‑bedroom, $1,318 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,455 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $159 increase for a 2-bedroom in Portage County shows a 17% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Portage County was 2.9% in 2024, compared to Wisconsin at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
