RANK #73 / 996 · POP 161,217 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.1%
Portage County, Ohio, is characterized by the presence of Kent, a notable college town that blends academic energy with natural beauty, as the Cuyahoga River runs through its downtown. Located in Northeast Ohio, the county sits approximately 20 miles from Akron and less than 40 miles from Cleveland, offering residents access to larger metropolitan areas. Commuting is supported by major interstates like I-76 and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), which traverse the county. The community maintains a rural atmosphere with open spaces, uncongested roads, and small towns, alongside significant outdoor recreation opportunities. Three state parks—Wingfoot Lake, West Branch, and Nelson-Kennedy Ledges—provide extensive options for hiking, boating, fishing, and exploring unique geological formations.
Life in Portage County blends country living with suburban conveniences. Many residents own their homes, and public schools are generally above average. The county's economy is diverse, with agriculture remaining a component, alongside manufacturing and distribution. Recent economic developments include investments in the power industry, with a company expanding its manufacturing facility in Streetsboro, creating new jobs. Educational institutions, including Kent State University, Hiram College, and Northeast Ohio Medical University, contribute to the local workforce and serve as significant employers. These institutions also drive ongoing educational and workforce development initiatives.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kent State University Capital Projects
Kent State University
|
$59M | Planned |
|
LayerZero Power Systems Expansion
LayerZero Power Systems, Inc.
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Portage County has a Boom Town Index score of 93/100, ranking #73 among 996 U.S. counties. With a median household income of $69,796, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Portage County is $197,100 with median rent at $990/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3541, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: 0.0%. Home values changed +3.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.58% of Portage County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.