2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Jackson, MI vs Portage, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Portage older or younger than people in Jackson?
- The Median Age in Portage is 2.3 years older than in Jackson.

Are housing costs cheaper in Portage or Jackson?
- Portage housing costs are 62.4% more expensive than Jackson housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Portage or Jackson?
- The average commute for residents of Portage is 0.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Jackson.

Things to do in Jackson?
Jackson MI sits southeast Lansing renowned mostly for its abundance of trails ideal for cycling or jogging around lakeside areas like Clark Lake Park plus several museums worth visiting when in town.

Things to do in Portage?
Portage, MI is a peaceful community located in Kalamazoo County near Lake Michigan. Home to numerous parks and recreational areas including Celery Flats Historical Area and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, Portage provides its residents with plenty of outdoor resources perfect for activities like disc golfing at Milham Park Golf Course or fishing on Pigeon River Country State Game Area. In addition, there are many restaurants, unique shops and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for rural serenity or just want easy access to nearby cities — Portage has something for everyone!

 Jackson, MIPortage, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock48,767329,725,481
 Median Income$38,298  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$155,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.19  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Jackson    33 Reviews

I lived in Jackson for a long time I lived on 1st and 3rd Street right over by Frank's party store before that b**** burnt down. My dad and I would sit out on the front  More

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Over 6 years ago

I spent 20 years of my life fighting for freedom only to buy a second home in Jackson, biggest mistake of my life, and have the rights I fought for take away by a  More

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Never never ever move to this town! I was born there, grew up around there, made the tragic mistake of moving back there once and will never ever set foot there again!  More

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Reviews for Portage    3 Reviews

I'm just writing because I think that the people who are in my opinion bashing Kalamazoo, really don't know anything about it. I have vacationed in much larger cities,  More

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Before I moved to Portage in 2007, I didn't have any real breathing problems. I had a minor case of hay fever. I moved here and I am stuck inside most of the summer  More

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Over 20 years ago

Portage is a nice palce to live and raise a family. I don't think it would be a good place for a single  More

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