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Portage, MI


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Portage, Michigan

Introduction to Portage, Michigan

Portage, Michigan, in Kalamazoo county, is 6 miles S of Kalamazoo, Michigan and 108 miles E of Chicago, Illinois. The city is part of the Kalamazoo - Battle Creek metropolitan statistical area. 44,897 people live in Portage.

Portage History

The earliest European settlers arrived in this area during the 19th century. Before they came, the Potowatami Indians lived here. The rich soil of the area proved to be excellent for growing celery, and Portage came to be known as the Celery City of the Nation in the 1880s. The city was incorporated in December of 1963 from the Portage Township.

Portage and nearby Attractions

  • Oakland Hills Golf Club
  • Austin Lake
  • Gourdneck State Game Area
  • South Westnedge Park
  • Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum
  • Kalamazoo Nature Center

Things To Do In Portage

Portage is famous for its historical parks and extensive network of trails. These trails have grown to over 50 miles and are very popular among people who enjoy cycling, jogging and going on long walks. The trails are also fit for many other recreational activities. The Kalamazoo Air Zoo is another popular tourist spot.

Portage Transportation

Battle Creek International Airport lies just a short distance away.

Portage Higher Education

One can pursue higher studies at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College or Kellogg Community College.

High Points

Portage strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Michigan):

CategoryTrophy
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 9%Portage College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
(vs. State)
Top 16%Portage Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)
Top 17%Portage People in Middle Class or Better
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 18%Portage Well-Paid Single Women

Comparative Profile of Portage, MI

Comparing Portage to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Michigan (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Well-Paid Single Women89
Well-Paid Single Men78
Female Share of the Population76
Age of the Population66
Children Under 5 Years Old66
Senior Citizens53
Male Share of the Population46
Racial Diversity39

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married78
Average Household Size45

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Above Poverty89
College Educated Adults810
People in Middle Class or Better79
Median Family Income79

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times88
Working at Home78
Walking and Biking to Work26
Public Transportation Use16

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents83
Seasonal and Vacation Housing74
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals78
Housing Recently Built69
People Living Alone64
Affordability of Property Taxes63
Detailed pages on related topics: Colleges in Portage, Graduate Schools in Portage, Portage mortgage and property, Portage travel

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