Stevens Point
RANK #64 / 996 NAT · #7 / 29 WI · POP 70,281
1YR FORECAST: +5.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +38%
Portage County, Wisconsin, offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and community spirit, often highlighted by its connection to the Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile footpath winding through diverse landscapes. Located in central Wisconsin, the county seat, Stevens Point, is approximately 110 miles from Madison and 150 miles from Milwaukee, with major highways like I-39 providing convenient commutes. The community maintains a welcoming atmosphere, with a strong sense of local pride evident in its historic districts and local festivals. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with numerous parks, lakes, and rivers, including the Wisconsin River, offering year-round activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and disc golf.
Life in Portage County is characterized by a balance of educational opportunities and access to nature. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point contributes to a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the area's school districts, such as Stevens Point Area Public School District, generally show high graduation rates. The economy is supported by a diverse base, including agriculture, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. Recent economic developments show ongoing capital investments by existing companies and the creation of new facilities, with a focus on sectors like advanced manufacturing and green business. The county has also seen community engagement around solar development.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Vista Sands Solar Farm
Doral LLC
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Portage Solar Project
Geronimo Power
|
$250M | Operating |
|
Portage County Courthouse Renovation
Portage County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Portage County Jail and Law Enforcement Center
Portage County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Columbia Energy Storage Project
Alliant Energy, Energy Dome, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Madison Gas and Electric
|
$30M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Portage County ranks #64 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 94/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $71,301 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Portage County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $214,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $876/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Portage County are both close to flat — population -0.1% YoY and jobs +0.3%. Home values shifted +11.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
In significant numbers — 6.51% of Portage County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.
Extremely. Home values surged +11.2% over the past 12 months in Portage County, far outpacing the national average. With a median home value of $214,700, buyers face a fast-moving market — though the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.33 suggests locals can still stretch to buy.