Average Rent in Portage County, WI↑ Rents rising 5.3% YoY

Portage County, WI has rental prices ranging from $706/month to $1,388/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $794/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,284/year, spending $794/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Portage County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,029/month, Portage County ranks #22 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — pricier than 68% of all US cities in our data.

The Portage County Rental Market

The Portage County, WI area has a population of about 70,375 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Portage County, WI have risen by $52/month (5.3%) over the past year, from $977 to $1,029. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Portage County, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,760. The local median household income of $73,284 exceeds that threshold by $41,524, making Portage County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Portage County, WI has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.7 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Is Portage County, WI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Portage County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Portage County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.