Portland, ME
Population 68,505 · Maine
About Portland, ME
Portland is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 68,505 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,174 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 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 $452,600, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. This places Portland in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,487, 28% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 35,957 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (15,113 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (17,280 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portland shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portland have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
59.2% of Portland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 11.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portland Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Portland, ME
Compared to national averages, Portland has a median household income of $76,174 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $452,600, which is 85% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,487 is 28% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Portland's income is 18% above the state average of $64,613, and home values are 80% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Portland, ME?
Portland offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,174, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 59.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $452,600. However, as a mid-sized city, Portland provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Portland has a population of 68,505 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Portland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Portland
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston | 37,886 | $56,558 | $214,200 | Compare |
| Bangor | 31,663 | $58,096 | $206,300 | Compare |
| South Portland | 26,780 | $84,563 | $405,800 | Compare |
| Auburn | 24,294 | $66,552 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Biddeford | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | Compare |
| Sanford | 22,095 | $70,570 | $257,200 | Compare |
| Saco | 20,636 | $84,328 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Westbrook | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maine
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, ME?
The population of Portland, ME is 68,505 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maine.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland, ME is $76,174 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland, ME is $452,600, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Portland?
The median monthly rent in Portland, ME is $1,487, which is 28% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portland?
The unemployment rate in Portland, ME is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portland, ME a good place to live?
Portland offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 68,505 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portland, ME?
59.2% 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, ME: median home value is $452,600 (85% above national), median rent is $1,487/month, and median household income is $76,174. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Portland?
The poverty rate in Portland, ME is 11.2%, 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, ME?
Portland's population is 0.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 8.8% two or more races. 11.1% of residents are foreign-born.