Cost of Living in Portage County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Portage County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Portage County ranks #2,304 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Portage County, Ohio
Portage renters pay above national average
Portage County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm despite a median household income of $72,822 that nearly matches the national median. The county's $1,036 monthly median rent—the highest among these eight counties—drives this above-average burden.
Ohio's priciest rental market here
Portage's median rent of $1,036 towers 18.7% above Ohio's state average of $873, making it the most expensive rental county in this analysis. With a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio, Portage exceeds the state average of 15.6%, signaling a genuinely tight rental market.
Premium pricing in northeast Ohio
Portage renters pay $1,036 monthly—$71 more than Pickaway and $203 more than Pike County. The premium likely reflects Portage's proximity to Akron and stronger regional job markets, distinguishing it sharply from rural southern Ohio alternatives.
Housing absorbs nearly one-fifth of income
Portage households allocate $1,036 to rent or $1,120 to mortgages while earning $72,822 annually, committing 17.1% to rent and 18.6% to ownership costs. These percentages approach the federal cost-burden threshold, limiting discretionary spending for residents.
Best for those prioritizing job access
Portage's higher housing costs reflect its stronger regional economy and proximity to major employers—a worthwhile trade-off if wage growth justifies the expense. Compare Portage's job market against cheaper counties like Pike or Preble before deciding if the premium is worth your move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Portage County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Portage County is affordable. The median rent is $1,036/month against a median household income of $72,822, putting rent at 17.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Portage County is $1,036/month, while owner costs run $1,120/month. Renting saves approximately $84/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,000/year. With a median household income of $72,822, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Portage County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Greene County where rent averages $1,089/month, Portage County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Portage County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,699
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Portage County
Median home value is $210,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,680 vs. your max of $1,699.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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