Portland, MI
Population 3,821 · Michigan
About Portland, MI
Portland is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,821 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,116 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 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 $165,000, which is 33% below 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 $1,016, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,590 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,032 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (558 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portland shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portland have an average one-way commute time of 29.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.1% 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 2.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Portland, MI
Compared to national averages, Portland has a median household income of $65,116 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,000, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,016 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Portland's income is 1% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 10% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Portland, MI?
Portland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,016/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,116) that falls below the national average. However, Portland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portland has a population of 3,821 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Portland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Portland
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicksburg | 3,824 | $70,070 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Boyne City | 3,829 | $68,087 | $233,900 | Compare |
| Williamston | 3,800 | $73,902 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Paw Paw Lake | 3,794 | $65,360 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Plainwell | 3,764 | $65,846 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Imlay City | 3,706 | $55,061 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Dorr | 3,952 | $95,575 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Belleville | 3,961 | $59,929 | $162,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
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, MI?
The population of Portland, MI is 3,821 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland, MI is $65,116 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland, MI is $165,000, which is 33% below 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, MI is $1,016, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portland?
The unemployment rate in Portland, MI is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Portland, MI a good place to live?
Portland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,821 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portland, MI?
26.1% of residents in Portland aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Portland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portland, MI: median home value is $165,000 (33% below national), median rent is $1,016/month, and median household income is $65,116. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portland?
The poverty rate in Portland, MI is 6.7%, 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, MI?
Portland's population is 2.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.