PORTAGE COUNTY: CENTERED WITH MAIN STREET LIVING
Portage County, Wisconsin, home to more than 70,000 people, is named for the connection between two rivers, but residents find connections here in much more, including arts, education and work. And that work comes with variety: While the county’s economy is known for a focus on agriculture, food processing, insurance, manufacturing, forest products and the dairy industry, you’ll also find innovators in health care, education, and biotechnology. Today, the region is growing in IT and robotics, with plenty of local markets for those industries.
Moving to Portage County is easy because a healthy economy tied to lower costs of living make this central area an incredibly desirable place to be. There’s a wide variety of housing options catering to everyone from seasoned workers and families to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students and young professionals. Those who prefer a more urban environment can spend a night out in college town Stevens Point, a town frequently listed among the Top 10 Places to Live and known for hosting the world’s largest trivia contest each April.
For those looking for more-wide open spaces, like many of our central Wisconsin communities, Portage County not only offers smaller village living but rural housing that incorporates big views and acreage. No matter where you live in the county, recreation abounds. Decompress from your workday and grab a bike, grab the dog, grab a picnic and head out onto The Green Circle, a 27-mile scenic hiking and biking trail that loops through the Stevens Point area and connects with over 45 miles of additional trails.
BUSINESS IN PORTAGE COUNTY
You’ll find outstanding business sites and existing facilities all along I-39, with great connections for highway and rail travel. Companies that need air travel will appreciate the convenience of Stevens Point Municipal Airport (KSTE), with 6,000-plus-foot runways that can accommodate all business jets and the extra safety of an ILS approach. If your business values connections to customers, a low cost of living, and a commitment to hard work and innovation, you’ll feel right at home in Portage County!
PORTAGE COUNTY AT A GLANCE
Population: 70,447 | Labor Force: 39,586
EXPLORE CENTRAL WISCONSIN
MAKE A SPLASH
Home of the Waterpark Capital of The World, The Wisconsin Dells.
WORLD VIEW
Amtrak’s line, The Empire Builder, stops daily in Wisconsin Dells, making a trip to Glacier National Park or the California coast only a ticket away.
ROCK ON
Home to natural sights such as caves and rock formations, rivers, lakes, Rabbit Rock Park and Castle Rock.
The Trout Fishing Capital of the world is situated on the Prairie River.
FIND YOUR PATH
22 miles of cross-country skiing trails, 315 miles of maintained snowmobile trails and 200 miles of ATV trails.
MAKE HISTORY
Historic buildings including city hall, the post office and Sawmill Brewing Company’s renovated 1940s Department of Natural Resources building.
BUNDLE FOR ADVENTURE
An abundance of ice skating, hockey and skiing and home of Granite Peak Ski Resort.
MILKIN’ IT
The largest segment of Wisconsin’s dairy industry. You’ll find traditional dairy breakfasts where communities gather on local farms.
GO HALFWAY
The center of the Northern Western Hemisphere, the point exactly halfway between the North Pole and Equator.
Home to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a campus hosting nearly 10,000 students and the Pointers athletic teams.
FUN FACTS
WWSP, is the longest-run student radio station in the Midwest is home to the world’s largest trivia contest.
PINT-SIZED ENTERTAINMENT
Home to multiple breweries with national distribution including Point, O’So and Central Waters.