Home to a vibrant downtown scene packed with shops, eats and one of Wisconsin's oldest farmer's markets, it's no surprise that Stevens Point got its name from a local grocer. Back in the 19th century, prominent logging companies relied on the Wisconsin River to float logs to market. It was George Stevens who opened his own grocery and supply store. Centuries later, Stevens Point is the seat of Portage County with a population of over 25,000 residents. Paddleboarders and fishermen have since replaced the river’s logs, but the city’s historic legacy remains in its vintage homes, longstanding farmer’s market and prominent university.
A beautiful Victorian home stands proudly in Stevens Point.
Stevens Point has a vibrant downtown.
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Local industry means shorter commutes for residents
Sentry Insurance is one of the largest employers in Stevens Point and greater Wisconsin. Other major employers include the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Stevens Point Area School District and St. Michael's Hospital of Stevens Point. While commuters are mainly car-dependent, the city does provide bus service for local travel. As Stevens Point Municipal Airport is a public-use strip for general aviation, commercial travelers instead fly out of Central Wisconsin Airport, 20 miles south on I-39.
According to FBI data, violent crime and property crime have been gradually declining since 2017. The CAP Index identifies northern Stevens Point as experiencing a higher rate than its surrounding neighborhoods.
Sentry Insurance employs hundreds of Stevens Point residents.
Many Stevens Point residents are employed by The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.
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Homes sell quickly in Stevens Point
The housing market in Stevens Point primarily consists of midcentury ranch-style homes, while traditional architecture is more popular downtown. The median home value is $255,000. Modern builds constructed in the last few decades flank the city’s outskirts, typically flaunting new traditional styles. “Pretty much any house that’s available will sell quickly,” Skaleski says. “The homes downtown tend to be a bit older; farther out, the lots get a little bigger, and if you want a manicured lawn, you can get that. But if you get too close to the university, you might get stuck next door to student housing.”
Traditional and Colonial-style homes are found throughout Stevens Point.
Ranch-style homes are popular in Stevens Point.
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The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point made history in 1946 as the first college to offer a conservation education major. Today, its College of Natural Resources houses some of the university’s most popular programs. “It’s a big school compared to the rest of our town,” Skaleski says, referring to its large presence in the heart of the city. “That’s the thing, when you live near, or go to the university, you’re close to downtown for the farmer’s market and restaurants. I came here for university years ago and never left!”
Meanwhile, primary students in Stevens Point and its surrounding communities attend the Stevens Point Area School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. Private school options include Pacelli Catholic Schools and St. Paul Lutheran.
Stevens Point Area Senior High serves students in Stevens Point and beyond.
The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point is a thriving university.
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Hiking & toboggan sliding along the Green Circle Trail
As one of the most popular trails in the region, the Green Circle Trail lives up to its name. The 26-mile stretch of towering trees and wildlife circles the perimeter of Stevens Point. Stevens Point Sculpture Park features 20 acres of art installations on either side of the trail. To the east, Iverson Park is a hub for winter recreation with skiing and Toboggan sliding. In the summertime, guests fish and swim in the park’s stretch of the Plover River. Others opt to paddle the backwaters of the Wisconsin River farther west. “Then you have the lakes,” says Pam Skaleski, a local broker with Prism Real Estate. “There’s Lake Emily to the east, and Sunset Lake is fabulous. Standing Rocks County Park has cross-country skiing, bike trails and dog parks. We’re lucky to have so much.”
Go on a hike and enjoy some art in this outdoor art gallery in Stevens Point.
Trails connect 200 miles of park land in Stevens Point.
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The oldest farmer’s market in Wisconsin
On the coast of the Wisconsin River, Downtown Stevens Point is a hub for restaurants and small businesses. Simply nicknamed “The Square,” the area is also home to a large portion of the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective, a group of partnered breweries and wineries. From book, music and bike shops to college bars and even the Portage County Public Library, “The Square” is a popular—and walkable—destination in the warmer months.
Regional amenities are located along the city’s perpendicular highways: Division Street and State Route 66. Residents head north for Festival Foods or east toward Interstate 39 for Metro Market, Fleet Farm, Target and other retailers.
Stevens Point residents gather at the "Square" downtown.
The Plover Library is a popular spot in downtown Stevens Point.
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The 33,000 flowers of SentryWorld
Among its local shops and eateries, Downtown Stevens Point is also home to various annual events, including the Riverfront Rendezvous. This three-day festival, held over Independence Day weekend, features live music and food vendors at Pfiffner Pioneer Park. “The Pfiffner bandshell has live music throughout the summer, too, which is fabulous,” Skaleski adds. From the annual Corn on the Curb to Art in the Park, many of the city’s celebrations orient around local artists, harvests and the Wisconsin River.
Stevens Point is also home to SentryWorld, a destination par-72 golf course owned by Sentry Insurance—one of the largest employers in the city. “They had the LPGA there last year, and it brought thousands of people to the city,” Skaleski says, referring to the Ladies Professional Golf Association. “You can stay there or get a membership, and a lot of people do. It’s a pretty big deal here.”
Stevens Point is a beautiful city on the Wisconsin River.
Downtown Stevens Point is charming and lively.
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Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Charlie Lingner
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Stevens Point by the Numbers
26,436
Population
26
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$264,450
Median Single Family Price$264,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft$154
Months Of Supply1
Demographics and Finance
Population Density28 ppl/acre
Median Household Income$52K
Lower than National Average$71K
% Owners53%
Lower than National Average63%
College Graduates38%
Higher than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Stevens Point, WI
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Bannach Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Jefferson Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Madison Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#4 Kennedy Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#5 McKinley Center
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#6 Washington Elementary School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#7 McDill Elementary School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#8 Plover-Whiting Elementary School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 P.J. Jacobs Junior High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#2 Benjamin Franklin Junior High School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 Stevens Point Area Senior High School
B+
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#2 Charles F. Fernandez Center Alternative Learning
1
GreatSchools
Best Private Schools
#1 Pacelli Catholic High School
B-
Niche
#2 Stevens Point Christian Academy
C
Niche
#3 Pacelli Catholic Elementary School - St. Stephen
#4 Pacelli Catholic Middle School
#5 Pacelli Catholic Schools - Tim Copps Early Childhood Center
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
