Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, ME
Considering a move to Portland, ME? This vibrant coastal city of about 68,400 offers a blend of historic charm, scenic beauty, and a lively arts scene. Expect median home prices around $420,000 and average rents near $1,650, with a cost of living just above the national average. Residents enjoy a short 21-minute average commute, a highly educated community, and access to top hospitals. Portland’s moderate crime rates, walkable neighborhoods, and four-season climate make it a great choice for both families and young professionals.
Demographics - Portland, ME
Demographics - Portland, ME
Portland, ME is home to about 68,400 residents, with a median age of 37.6 and a population density of 3,200 people per square mile. The city features a diverse community, where 14% speak a language other than English and the majority identify as White, with notable Black and Asian populations. This urban center offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
68,424
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.0%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
3.3%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portland, ME?
Portland’s cost of living is about 17% higher than the national average, with median home values at $420,000 and typical rents around $1,650 per month. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, while housing costs stand out as the most significant expense. State income tax rates range from 5.8% to 7.15%, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.5
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
133.4
Utilities:
111.5
Transportation:
104.3
Health Care:
111.1
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Portland, ME a safe place to live?
Portland experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 268 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,547 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 373, while property crimes occur at a rate of 1 in 65. The city’s overall crime index suggests a relatively safe environment compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
268
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,547
Crime Index:
1,815
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 373
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Portland, ME year-round?
Portland enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 78°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The city receives about 47 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine on 53% of days. Residents can expect vibrant fall foliage and mild spring weather, making it an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Portland’s neighborhoods offer a median household income of $68,200 and a family income of $92,000, with about 13% of residents living below the poverty line. The area boasts a highly educated population, with nearly 95% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and over half possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging about 21 minutes, and public transportation is a viable option for many.
Median Income:
$39,200
Household Income:
$68,200
Family Income:
$92,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,200
Income Male:
$47,500
Income Female:
$38,100
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
14%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
8.1%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.9%
Bachelors or More:
54.1%
Education
How are the schools in Portland, ME?
Portland offers quality educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Portland High School and Lincoln Middle School with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to the University of Southern Maine and the Maine College of Art & Design, providing higher education options within city limits. Private schools, such as Waynflete School, add to the broad range of choices for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Portland High School
Street:
284 Cumberland Ave
Phone:
207-874-8250
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Lincoln Middle School
Street:
522 Stevens Ave
Phone:
207-874-8145
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Private Schools
Name:
Waynflete School
Street:
360 Spring St
Phone:
207-774-5721
Students:
575
Colleges
Name:
University of Southern Maine
City:
Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Maine College of Art & Design
City:
Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Portland provides excellent healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Mercy Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency services. The city has a high physician-to-population ratio at 3.2 per 1,000 residents and nearly 95% health insurance coverage. These resources contribute to reliable and high-quality medical care for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maine Medical Center
Address:
22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 662-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Address:
175 Fore River Pkwy, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 879-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portland, ME?
The housing market in Portland is competitive, with median home prices at $420,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,650. Home appreciation has been strong, rising 7.5% over the past year, while the owner-occupancy rate stands at 44%. Rental vacancies are low, making it important to act quickly when searching for housing.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Portland residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Augusta and accessible online or by phone. The DMV handles licensing, registration, and related services for all Maine drivers. Convenient access makes managing vehicle needs straightforward for newcomers.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone:
1-207-624-9000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.