Providing Economic Development, Geographic Information Systems, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Use Planning and Transportation Assistance since 1973
Portage County is a county located in central Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 70,377. The county seat is Stevens Point. Portage County was created in 1839 and is named after the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway, a historic portage route used by Native Americans and European settlers. The county is known for its many lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Tomorrow River State Trail, the Wisconsin River and the Ice Age Trail. The county is home to the city of Stevens Point, which is the county’s largest city and the regional center for commerce, industry, healthcare, and education. The county also has several small towns and communities, including Plover, Rosholt, and Amherst. The county has a diverse economy, with healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries being the main drivers.