Portland, CT
Population 5,970 · Connecticut
About Portland, CT
Portland is a small town located in Connecticut with a population of 5,970 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $91,522 per year, which is 22% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portland features a median home value of $267,600, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Portland in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,112, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,629 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (1,819 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (603 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portland shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portland have an average one-way commute time of 30.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.4% of Portland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portland Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Portland, CT
Compared to national averages, Portland has a median household income of $91,522 (22% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $267,600, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,112 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Portland's income is 26% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 48% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Portland, CT?
Portland offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $91,522, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,112/month, and a well-educated community where 41.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average.
Portland has a population of 5,970 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Portland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Portland
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniels Farm | 5,995 | $197,731 | $594,800 | Compare |
| Cheshire Village | 6,049 | $114,923 | $393,200 | Compare |
| Branford Center | 6,130 | $70,391 | $291,500 | Compare |
| Sherwood Manor | 5,781 | $96,274 | $241,100 | Compare |
| Northford | 6,161 | $104,919 | $372,100 | Compare |
| Simsbury Center | 6,326 | $141,688 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Noroton | 5,522 | $250,001 | $1,545,300 | Compare |
| Pawcatuck | 5,475 | $75,820 | $330,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Portland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland
What is the population of Portland, CT?
The population of Portland, CT is 5,970 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland, CT is $91,522 per year, which is 22% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland, CT is $267,600, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Portland?
The median monthly rent in Portland, CT is $1,112, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portland?
The unemployment rate in Portland, CT is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portland, CT a good place to live?
Portland offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,970 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portland, CT?
41.4% of residents in Portland aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Portland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portland, CT: median home value is $267,600 (9% above national), median rent is $1,112/month, and median household income is $91,522. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portland?
The poverty rate in Portland, CT is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Portland, CT?
Portland's population is 0.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.