Portage,
Michigan

Population: 48,767

Welcome to Portage, Michigan!

Here's what you need to know:

Portage, located in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, is a city with a rich blend of land and water that covers approximately 35 square miles. The city hosts a variety of family-friendly events, including the annual Kalamazoo Area Bike Week, the Monster Mash, and the Traditional Holiday & Tree Lighting Cerenmony. Notable landmarks in the city include the Rose Park Veterans Memorial and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park.

Economy

Household Income

$68,755

2020 Median

Unemployment rate

6.5%

2020 Median

Income

The median household income in Portage is $68,755.

Employment

The unemployment rate in Portage is 6.5%.

The occupations of Portage are:

Business, Science, and Arts: 48%
Service Industry: 15%
Sales and Office: 18%
Natural Resources, Construction, and Maintenance: 5%
Production, Transportation, and Materials: 14%

The industries in Portage are:

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, and Mining: 1%
Construction: 3%
Manufacturing: 19%
Wholesale Trade: 2%
Retail: 11%
Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities: 3%
Information: 2%
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate: 7%
Science, Administrative, and Waste Management: 10%
Education, Social Services, and Health Care: 26%
Arts, Entertainment, Food Services, Accommodation, and Recreation: 9%
Other Services: 5%
Public Administration: 3%

Transportation

The means of transportation in Portage are:

Drive alone: 83%
Carpool: 6%
Public transportation: 1%
Walk: 1%
Taxi, motorcycle or bicycle: 0%

Approximately 8% work from home.

Demographics and Data

Area

32.29 mi²

Land Area

Population

48,767

2020 Population

Housing

$187,000

2020 Median

Average Age

2020 Median

Population

According to the US Census Bureau, the population of Portage is 48,767.

Education

In Portage, 96% of residents have a high school diploma or higher with 48% attaining a bachelor's degree or higher.

Age distribution

The median age of Portage is 37. The majority of the population falls into the age range 0 to 19.

Housing

The median home value of Portage is $187,000 and the homeownership rate is 67%.

Ethnicity and race

Portage is 82% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 6% Black.

Language

Approximately 7% of the population of Portage can speak a language other than English, with 2% Spanish being the most common non-English language. 93% of the population in Portage speak English only.

Gender

The population of Portage is made up of 51% female and 49% male.

Local Government 101

Local governments, often structured at the city or county level, play a pivotal role in shaping the daily lives of citizens. These governments can take various forms, including the council-manager and mayor-council systems. In the council-manager form, a city council is responsible for legislative functions, and it appoints a city manager to oversee administrative tasks and implement policies. In contrast, the mayor-council system divides powers between an elected mayor, who leads the executive branch, and an elected council, which holds legislative authority.

Citizens are not only beneficiaries of local-government services but also key stakeholders who can and should actively engage with their representatives. Engagement can take the form of attending city-council meetings, participating in public hearings, or voting in local elections. By voicing their concerns, preferences, and feedback, residents can influence policies, budget allocations, and other decisions that directly impact their communities.

Understanding the structure of local government is essential for effective civic participation. While local governments have the authority to enact laws, manage public services, and levy taxes within their jurisdictions, they must operate within the confines of state and federal laws. By staying informed and actively participating, citizens can ensure that their local governments remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the community.

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History

Portage, Michigan, was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians before settlers arrived in the early 1800s. The area was known as the “Celery City” of the nation by the 1880s due to its prolific celery production, which continued until the middle of the 20th century. The city underwent significant transformation after World War II, evolving into its modern form.

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