Portage, MI vs Zion, IL
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Portage
73.7
#692 nationally
Zion
72.6
#868 nationally
Zion leads in walk score (40 vs 20). Portage leads in crime level (7.6 vs 12.4). Portage leads in average commute (19.7 min vs 29.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Portage, MI | Zion, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.7 (#692) | 72.6 (#868) |
| Population | 49,302 | 24,206 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $304,854 | $257,565 |
| Median Household Income | $74,837 | $65,018 |
| Average Commute | 19.7 min | 29.3 min |
| Walk Score | 20 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 7.6 | 12.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+17.7 | D+20.8 |
C
73.7 Score
Portage, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$304,854
Population
49,302
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
20
Midwest
View Portage, MI →
C-
72.6 Score
Zion, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$257,565
Population
24,206
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Zion, IL →