Portage County, OH

County

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2024 Population

161,956

US Senator

Bernie Moreno

Republican Party

US Senator

Jon Husted

Republican Party

2024 Median Age

39.6

0.763% 1-year increase

2024 Poverty Rate

11.7%

2.47% 1-year increase

2024 Median Household Income

$75,766

4.04% 1-year growth

2024 Median Property Value

$227,000

7.84% 1-year growth

2024 Employed Population

83,040

0.32% 1-year growth

About

None of the households in Portage County, OH reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

98% of the residents in Portage County, OH are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Portage County, OH are Kent State University at Kent (6,697 degrees awarded in 2023), Northeast Ohio Medical University (277 degrees), and Hiram College (184 degrees).

In 2024, the median property value in Portage County, OH was $227,000, and the homeownership rate was 70.1%.

Most people in Portage County, OH drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 24.8 minutes. The average car ownership in Portage County, OH was 2 cars per household.

Portage County, OH borders Cuyahoga County, OH, Geauga County, OH, Mahoning County, OH, Stark County, OH, Summit County, OH, and Trumbull County, OH.

United States Ohio Akron, OH

Population & Diversity

Portage County, OH is home to a population of 162k people, from which 98% are citizens. As of 2024, 3.64% of Portage County, OH residents were born outside of the country (5.9k people).

In 2024, there were 17.2 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (139k people) in Portage County, OH than any other race or ethnicity. There were 8.09k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 4.21k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

98%

2024 Citizenship

98.2%

2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 98% of Portage County, OH residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Portage County, OH was 98.2%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Portage County, OH compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Portage County, OH

White (Non-Hispanic)
139k ± 752
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
8.09k ± 552
Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
4.21k ± 691

2.3%

Hispanic Population

3.72k people

2.3% of the people in Portage County, OH are hispanic (3.72k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Portage County, OH as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Ohio.

Most Common Origin

India
66,106 ± 6,295 people
Mexico
45,962 ± 5,253 people
China
32,703 ± 4,434 people

In 2023, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Ohio was India, the natal country of 66,106 Ohio residents, followed by Mexico with 45,962 and China with 32,703.

Foreign-Born Population

3.64%

2024 Foreign-Born Population

5.9k people

3.41%

2023 Foreign-Born Population

5.51k people

As of 2024, 3.64% of Portage County, OH residents (5.9k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Portage County, OH was 3.41%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Portage County, OH compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
2,893 ± 334
Gulf War (2001-)
1,764 ± 309
Gulf War (1990s)
980 ± 215

Portage County, OH has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.64 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Portage County, OH.

Economy

The economy of Portage County, OH employs 83k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Portage County, OH were Manufacturing (13,239 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (11,159 people), and Retail Trade (10,090 people), and the highest paying industries were Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($73,721), Finance & Insurance ($66,009), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($64,018).

Employment

Occupations

83k

2024 Value

± 2,421

0.32%

1 Year growth

± 4.11%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Portage County, OH grew at a rate of 0.32%, from 82.8k employees to 83k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Portage County, OH, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (8,710 people), Management Occupations (8,551 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (7,203 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Portage County, OH.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Ohio.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Ohio (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

Industries

Employment by Industries

83k

2024 Value

± 2,421

0.32%

1 Year growth

± 4.11%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Portage County, OH grew at a rate of 0.32%, from 82.8k employees to 83k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Portage County, OH, are Manufacturing (13,239 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (11,159 people), and Retail Trade (10,090 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Portage County, OH, though some of these residents may live in Portage County, OH and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$52,287

Median earning men ± $1,919

$36,854

Median earning women ± $1,352

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($76,721), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($70,822), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($66,116).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($53,750), Public Administration ($53,149), and Information ($50,282).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Ohio.

Y-Axis

1.48%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 5.51M people employed in Ohio. This represents a 1.48% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 15.4%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Ohio.

Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

251
Construction
196
Other Services (except Public Administration)
173
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$665k
Manufacturing
$300k
Wholesale Trade
$269k
Retail Trade

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Ohio went to Donald J. Trump with 55.1% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (43.9%), followed by Chase Oliver (0.489%).

Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted are the senators currently representing the state of Ohio. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Ohio is currently represented by 15 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Portage County, OH. Showing the available data for Ohio.

2024 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (55.1%)
Republican Party
Kamala Harris (43.9%)
Democratic Party
Chase Oliver (0.489%)
Libertarian Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Ohio went to Donald J. Trump with 55.1% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (43.9%), followed by Chase Oliver (0.489%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Ohio for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Ohio

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Ohio.

Bernie Moreno

Senator from Ohio

Assumed office on January 3, 2025

Jon Husted

Senator from Ohio

Assumed office on January 21, 2025
While elections for full class 3 terms will take place in 2028, Ohio will hold a special election in 2026 to elect a senator to complete the remainder of JD Vance's term.

Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted are the senators currently representing Ohio.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Ohio over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

Education

In 2023, universities in Portage County, OH awarded 7,158 degrees. The student population of Portage County, OH in 2023 is skewed towards women, with 10,729 male students and 17,409 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Portage County, OH are White (5,348 and 79.1%), Black or African American (521 and 7.7%), Two or More Races (247 and 3.65%), and Hispanic or Latino (246 and 3.64%).

The largest universities in Portage County, OH by number of degrees awarded are Kent State University at Kent (6,697 and 93.6%), Northeast Ohio Medical University (277 and 3.87%), and Hiram College (184 and 2.57%).

The most popular majors in Portage County, OH are Registered Nursing (658 and 9.19%), General Psychology (371 and 5.18%), and General Business Administration & Management (361 and 5.04%).

The median tuition costs in Portage County, OH are $26,265 for private four year colleges, and $11,595 and $20,708 respectively, for public four year colleges for in-state students and out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2023 in Portage County, OH, the percentage of applicants admitted was 87.2%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 21.3%. The number of students enrolled in 2023 was 28,138 (38.1% men and 61.9% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2023 there were 28,138 students enrolled in Portage County, OH, 38.1% men and 61.9% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 19,691 records, of which 63.1% were women and 36.9% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Registered Nursing
484 degrees awarded
General Psychology
371 degrees awarded
General Business Administration & Management
268 degrees awarded

In 2023, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Portage County, OH was Registered Nursing with 484 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Portage County, OH according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Kent State University at Kent
6,697 degrees awarded
Northeast Ohio Medical University
277 degrees awarded
Hiram College
184 degrees awarded

In 2023, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Kent State University at Kent with 6,697 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2023, 2,521 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Portage County, OH, which is 0.544 times less than the 4,637 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 5,348 degrees mean that there were 10.3 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 521 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($26,265) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2023.

Public, 4-year or above ($172) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2023.

Public, 4-year or above ($1,200) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Portage County, OH was $227,000 in 2024, which is 0.682 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $210,500 to $227,000, a 7.84% increase. The homeownership rate in Portage County, OH is 70.1%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Portage County, OH have an average commute time of 24.8 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Portage County, OH is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

In 2025, 13.6% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Portage County, OH. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 2.61%.

Housing

Property

$227,000

Median Property Value 2024

±$5,189

$45,768

Median Property Taxes

±$1,484

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Portage County, OH the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Portage County, OH compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

70.1%

Homeownership

2024

62.1%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2024

In 2024, 70.1% of the housing units in Portage County, OH were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 70.1%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Portage County, OH compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$75,766

Median Household Income

± $3,140

65.2k

Number of Households

± 2,063

In 2024, the median household income of the 65.2k households in Portage County, OH grew to $75,766 from the previous year's value of $72,822.

The following chart displays the households in Portage County, OH distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Portage County, OH is from Ohio.

0.453

2023 Wage GINI in Ohio

0.456

2022 Wage GINI in Ohio

In 2023, the income inequality in Ohio was 0.453 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.645% decline from 2022 to 2023, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Ohio was lower than than the national average of 0.476. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Ohio in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Ohio across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024

Drove Alone (73.8%)
Worked At Home (14.9%)
Carpooled (6.78%)

In 2024, 73.8% of workers in Portage County, OH drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (14.9%) and those who carpooled to work (6.78%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

24.8 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Portage County, OH have a shorter commute time (24.8 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.34% of the workforce in Portage County, OH have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Portage County, OH compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Portage County, OH distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Portage County, OH have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2025, 13.6% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Portage County, OH. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 2.61%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

11.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Portage County, OH (18.1k out of 155k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 18 - 24, followed by Males 18 - 24 and then Females 25 - 34.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Portage County, OH is White, followed by Black and Two Or More.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2025, 15.1% of the children was living in poverty in Portage County, OH. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 4%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 117 in Portage County, OH. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 21.3 per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

Health

95% of the population of Portage County, OH has health coverage, with 52.9% on employee plans, 15.4% on Medicaid, 14.6% on Medicare, 11.1% on non-group plans, and 1.07% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Portage County, OH see 2,537 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (2,537 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1903 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 398 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.3% were men and 50.7% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

2,537 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Portage County, OH

Primary care physicians in Portage County, OH see an average of 2,537 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (2,537 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Portage County, OH in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 20.5% under 18 years, 24.6% between 18 and 34 years, 36.8% between 35 and 64 years, and 18.1% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.3% were men and 50.7% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

4.97%

Uninsured

52.9%

Employer Coverage

15.4%

Medicaid

14.6%

Medicare

11.1%

Non-Group

1.07%

Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Portage County, OH declined by 4.69% from 5.21% to 4.97%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Portage County, OH changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2025, the number of deaths among residents under age 18 per 100,000 population was 39.6 in Portage County, OH.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Portage County, OH.

Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 38.5% in Portage County, OH.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Portage County, OH.