Cost of Living in Portage County, Ohio

$1,036/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$210,500

Median Home Value

19% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,036/mo

19% above state average

Median Home Value

$210,500

25% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

33.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Portage County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Portage County$1,036/mo

Ohio Average$873/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,036/mo

Median Gross Rent

$210,500

Median Home Value

$1,120/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

33.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Portage County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio17.1%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Portage County, Ohio?

Portage County, Ohio has a median monthly rent of $1,036/mo and a median home value of $210,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 33.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Portage County?

The median gross rent in Portage County is $1,036/mo. This is 19% above state average for Ohio.

Is Portage County affordable?

Portage County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 33.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Portage County's rent compare to the state average?

Portage County's median rent of $1,036/mo is 19% above state average of $873/mo for Ohio.

What is the median home value in Portage County?

The median home value in Portage County, Ohio is $210,500. This is 25% below the national median home value of $281,900.