Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, MI
Considering a move to Portland, MI? With a welcoming population of just under 4,000, Portland offers affordable living—median home prices are around $200,000 and rents average $910. The area is known for its low violent crime rates (140 per 100K), friendly small-town vibe, and strong schools. Residents enjoy an average commute of 24 minutes, four distinct seasons, and proximity to Lansing and major healthcare facilities. Portland is a great choice for those seeking a safe, close-knit community with a relaxed pace and easy access to city amenities.
Demographics - Portland, MI
Demographics - Portland, MI
Portland, MI is a small city of just under 4,000 residents, with a median age of 38 and a predominantly White population. The community maintains a balanced gender ratio and a family-friendly atmosphere, with a modest percentage of non-English speakers. Its population density supports a close-knit, neighborly environment.
Population:
3,963
Density:
1,540 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portland, MI?
Living in Portland is affordable, with a median home value of $200,000 and average rents around $910, both below national averages. The cost of living index is 87, indicating lower expenses for housing, groceries, and transportation compared to larger cities. Residents also benefit from reasonable utility costs and steady state tax rates.
Median House Value:
$200,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$2,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87
Grocery:
92
Housing:
74
Utilities:
97
Transportation:
95
Health Care:
92
Miscellaneous:
89
Crime
Is Portland, MI a safe place to live?
Portland offers a safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,040 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is low, at about 1 in 715, making it a secure choice for families and individuals alike. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this quiet Michigan community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Crime Index:
1,180
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 715
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in Portland, MI year-round?
Portland experiences all four seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 17°F and warm summers peaking at 82°F. The city receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 51% of the year. Residents can look forward to distinct seasonal changes and plenty of outdoor opportunities.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $68,400 and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, reflecting economic stability. Most adults have completed high school, and over one in five hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. With a low unemployment rate and short average commutes, Portland offers a comfortable, connected lifestyle.
Median Income:
$35,300
Household Income:
$68,400
Family Income:
$83,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,700
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$36,500
Poverty Rate:
7.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.2%
Bachelors or More:
21.8%
Education
How are the schools in Portland, MI?
Families in Portland benefit from reputable public and private schools, including Portland High School and St. Patrick School. With student-teacher ratios around 19:1 and access to higher education at Michigan State University just 24 miles away, the city supports strong educational opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Portland High School
Street:
1100 Ionia Rd
Phone:
517-647-2981
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Portland Middle School
Street:
745 Storz Ave
Phone:
517-647-2985
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick School
Street:
122 West St
Phone:
517-647-7551
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Michigan State University
City:
East Lansing
State:
MI
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
50,000
Healthcare
Portland residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby hospitals like Sparrow Ionia and Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 95% health insurance coverage, medical care is accessible and reliable. The area’s healthcare index of 76 suggests steady access to essential services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sparrow Ionia Hospital
Address:
3565 S State Rd, Ionia, MI 48846
Phone:
(616) 523-1400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sparrow Hospital - Lansing
Address:
1215 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Phone:
(517) 364-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
76
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portland, MI?
The housing market in Portland is stable, with a median home price of $200,000 and owner-occupied rates at over 70%. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $910, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%. Modest home appreciation and new construction rates signal a healthy, affordable housing market.
Median Home Price:
$200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Portland residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State for vehicle registration and licensing, with a convenient office in nearby Lansing. Services can be accessed online or by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward. The state’s system ensures efficient handling of all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
706 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48910
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
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.