Portland, OR
Population 642,715 · Oregon
About Portland, OR
Portland is a major city located in Oregon with a population of 642,715 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,792 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 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 $557,600, which is 128% 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 $1,596, 37% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 304,113 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (151,684 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (135,346 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 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portland have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.5% 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 7.6% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 12.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portland Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Portland, OR
Compared to national averages, Portland has a median household income of $88,792 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $557,600, which is 128% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,596 is 37% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Portland's income is 17% above the state average of $76,196, and home values are 46% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Portland, OR?
Portland offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,792, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 53.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $557,600. However, as a major city, Portland provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Portland has a population of 642,715 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Portland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Portland
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene | 177,520 | $63,836 | $435,400 | Compare |
| Salem | 176,666 | $71,900 | $382,400 | Compare |
| Gresham | 112,818 | $73,608 | $440,000 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 107,050 | $103,207 | $483,400 | Compare |
| Bend | 101,472 | $88,792 | $646,800 | Compare |
| Beaverton | 97,502 | $94,279 | $543,100 | Compare |
| Medford | 85,794 | $70,497 | $387,000 | Compare |
| Springfield | 61,642 | $67,211 | $323,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
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, OR?
The population of Portland, OR is 642,715 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland, OR is $88,792 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland, OR is $557,600, which is 128% 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, OR is $1,596, which is 37% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portland?
The unemployment rate in Portland, OR is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portland, OR a good place to live?
Portland offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 642,715 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portland, OR?
53.5% 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, OR: median home value is $557,600 (128% above national), median rent is $1,596/month, and median household income is $88,792. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Portland?
The poverty rate in Portland, OR is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Portland, OR?
Portland's population is 7.6% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 5.7% two or more races. 12.4% of residents are foreign-born.