6 Photos
Credit to Portage County Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
6 Photos
Credit to Portage County Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
Wisconsin

Live and Work Local in Portage County, Wisconsin

$4,000 cash for relocation
More Incentives coming soon
Total Incentive
$4,000
Waitlisted program — incentive fulfillment is currently paused or delayed.

Description

From Community to Career: Make Your Move to Portage County

Ready to build your future in a place that truly feels like home?

Portage County is growing, and we’re excited to welcome you into a community where opportunity, innovation, and quality of life come together. With thriving industries, attainable living, and welcoming neighborhoods across Stevens Point, Plover, Amherst, and beyond, this is a place where you can grow professionally while putting down meaningful roots.

Why Work in Portage County?

Portage County combines strong career pathways with the energy of a university community and the balance of central Wisconsin living — offering a place where you can succeed at work, raise a family, and stay closely connected to your community.

With a diverse economy supported by healthcare, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, education, and professional services, the county provides stability and forward momentum across its cities and towns. Here, you don’t have to choose between ambition and lifestyle — you can pursue meaningful work while enjoying affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and a community that values collaboration, creativity, and connection.

Here’s what you’ll find in Portage County, WI:

💼 Strong Career Pathways across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, education, and professional services — supported by regional employers and the presence of University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, which strengthens the local talent pipeline and innovation ecosystem.

🏡 Attainable Housing & Livable Communities featuring established neighborhoods, new developments, and scenic riverfront or wooded properties in communities like Stevens Point, Plover, Amherst, and Rosholt — all offering strong schools and a high quality of life.

🌿 Outdoor Recreation in Every Season — Explore the Wisconsin River, bike the Green Circle Trail, hike at Standing Rocks Park, and enjoy nearby lakes and forests. From kayaking and fishing in the summer to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, adventure is built into daily life.

🍺 A Vibrant Community Feel with a lively downtown Stevens Point, farmers markets, craft breweries, coffee shops, cultural events, and university activities that make it easy to plug in and feel connected quickly.

🚗 Convenient Central Location — Positioned along the I-39 corridor, offering easy access to Madison, Wausau, and other regional hubs while maintaining the comfort and affordability of central Wisconsin living.

How It Works in Portage County

🔎 Explore Local Opportunities – Discover current openings through Portage County’s regional job boards, workforce development partners, and local employer networks to find positions that match your experience and career goals.

📄 Apply & Connect – Reach out to organizations that are actively hiring and excited to welcome new talent into their teams and communities across Stevens Point, Plover, and surrounding towns.

🚚 Relocate with Support – Make your move with confidence. Portage County’s welcoming communities are ready to help you get settled, build connections, and thrive — both professionally and personally.

Your Welcome Package

Get ready to feel right at home in Portage County! We’ve put together a package designed to make your move not just smoother — but even more exciting:

💰 $4,000 Cash for Relocation — Start your next chapter with extra support to help you settle in, get established, and feel confident in your move.

🎁 More Incentives Coming Soon — We’re building additional perks to help you connect, explore, and make the most of everything Portage County has to offer.

Your next step starts here and we’re excited to welcome you.

Portage County: Where Opportunity and Community Meet

This is more than your next job — it’s a chance to build a life in a place where professional growth and genuine connection go hand in hand. In Portage County, you’ll find welcoming communities, room to grow, and a quality of life that feels both energized and balanced.

Here, the momentum of a strong local economy and the presence of higher education blend seamlessly with riverfront trails, vibrant downtown spaces, and year-round community events. Career ambition and community belonging aren’t competing priorities — they reinforce one another, making it easy to feel at home while building what’s next.

Portage County, Wisconsin

This program is sponsored by the Portage County Business Council, Inc and The State of Wisconsin.

Eligibility Requirements

Portage County, Wisconsin is currently recruiting job-seekers who:

  • Are 18 years or older

  • Currently reside outside of Wisconsin

  • Must commit to living in Portage County for at least 1 year

  • Will secure full-time employment in Portage County, Wisconsin

  • Will have an annual household income of at least $55,000

  • Will provide employment and residency documentation to confirm eligibility

  • Remote workers, gig workers and self-employed workers are not eligible

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FAQ

What is MakeMyMove?

MakeMyMove is the first-ever marketplace connecting movers with relocation programs, provided by communities across the country actively recruiting new residents. We help you find the right place and get there, and we help communities grow through talent attraction.

What does “Apply Now” mean?

“Apply Now” indicates that the community is working with MakeMyMove. You can apply on our site, and our team will help you navigate the application and move process.

Do you have more questions?

Other Details

Program Categories

How It Works

This community is participating in the MakeMyMove on-platform application process. Apply in a few minutes. You’ll receive a response to your application, and will have access to a team to help along the way.

1. Apply

Fill out our fast application form to share your information and why you’re interested in making a move.

2. Get Pre-Approved

Qualifying applicants will receive an introduction to the local sponsors of the program who will answer your questions, and help you decide if the community is the right fit.

3. Confirm Eligibility

Once you’ve been selected, we’ll confirm your eligibility for the program and facilitate a formal offer from the community.

4. Accept and Make Your Move

Accept your offer to reserve your spot in the program, and let us know when you arrive to receive the incentive.