South Portland, ME
Population 26,780 · Maine
About South Portland, ME
South Portland is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 26,780 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,563 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Portland features a median home value of $405,800, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Portland in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,648, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,738 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (7,330 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (4,818 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Portland shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Portland have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
49.3% of South 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 0.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 9.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Portland Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in South Portland, ME
Compared to national averages, South Portland has a median household income of $84,563 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $405,800, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,648 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, South Portland's income is 31% above the state average of $64,613, and home values are 62% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in South Portland, ME?
South Portland offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,563, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and a well-educated community where 49.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $405,800. However, South Portland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Portland has a population of 26,780 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare South Portland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near South Portland
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 24,294 | $66,552 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Biddeford | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | Compare |
| Sanford | 22,095 | $70,570 | $257,200 | Compare |
| Bangor | 31,663 | $58,096 | $206,300 | Compare |
| Saco | 20,636 | $84,328 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Westbrook | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Augusta | 18,999 | $48,756 | $188,900 | Compare |
| Brunswick | 16,928 | $68,190 | $333,500 | 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 South Portland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Portland
What is the population of South Portland, ME?
The population of South Portland, ME is 26,780 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 South Portland?
The median household income in South Portland, ME is $84,563 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Portland?
The median home value in South Portland, ME is $405,800, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Portland?
The median monthly rent in South Portland, ME is $1,648, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Portland?
The unemployment rate in South Portland, ME is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South Portland, ME a good place to live?
South Portland offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 26,780 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Portland, ME?
49.3% of residents in South 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 South Portland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Portland, ME: median home value is $405,800 (66% above national), median rent is $1,648/month, and median household income is $84,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Portland?
The poverty rate in South Portland, ME is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Portland, ME?
South Portland's population is 0.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. 9.0% of residents are foreign-born.