Cost of Living in Portage Lakes, OH

Population 6,199 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023

67
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Portage Lakes can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $166,000 against $66,027 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 5 miles south of Akron, Portage Lakes falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 49% higher than Akron's $111,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 54
Rent 86

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Portage Lakes

The median home value in Portage Lakes is $165,500 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,125/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,027/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 62.1°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, Portage Lakes has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$165,500
46% below avg
Median Rent
$1,125/mo
14% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$686
1 BR
$748
2 BR
$929
3 BR
$1,199
4 BR
$1,374
Owner-occupied 65.8%
Renter-occupied 34.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,125
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,739/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.1 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.0%
Carpooled
4.4%
Walked
0.0%
Work from home
9.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 3.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.2%
State rate 5.8%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$66,027
11% below avg
Per Capita Income
$46,043
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
35% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
Labor Force Participation
68.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 15.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.8
Male median age 48.7
Female median age 50.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.1°F
Avg Low
42.5°F
Annual Precip
32.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 374049627381858477655241
Low °F 212230405160646255443527
Precip" 1.831.452.482.833.563.673.653.003.182.532.322.01

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
60.1%
Good air days/yr
230
Max AQI recorded
198
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Portage Lakes, OH?

Portage Lakes has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.

What is average rent in Portage Lakes, OH?

The median gross rent in Portage Lakes is $1,125 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Portage Lakes?

The median home value in Portage Lakes is $165,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Portage Lakes?

The median household income in Portage Lakes is $66,027 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Portage Lakes, OH?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portage Lakes is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.

Is Portage Lakes, OH affordable?

Yes, Portage Lakes is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Portage Lakes?

Portage Lakes has average high temperatures of 62.1°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 32.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Portage Lakes at a Glance

Population
6,199
Median Income
$66,027
Home Value
$165,500
Median Rent
$1,125/mo
Unemployment
6.5%
Avg High Temp
62.1°F
Sales Tax
7.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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