Moving to Portland, OR: Everything You Should Know First
Considering Portland, OR for your next move? With a population of over 635,000, Portland offers a vibrant urban lifestyle, moderate commute times (26 minutes), and a wide array of cultural amenities. While housing costs are higher than the national average—median home prices around $546,000 and average rent near $1,800—the city features a highly educated community, top healthcare options, and easy access to parks and the outdoors. Expect a mild, rainy climate, a diverse population, and a strong public transportation system to help you get around. Review the details below to see if Portland is the right fit for your new home.
Demographics - Portland, OR
Population:
635,067
Density:
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
71.6%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
8.6%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
Median House Value:
$546,000
Gross Rent:
$1,680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
133.2
Grocery:
112.5
Housing:
168.0
Utilities:
87.3
Transportation:
124.1
Health Care:
106.9
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
525
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,060
Crime Index:
5,585
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 190
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 20
Weather

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Median Income:
$44,200
Household Income:
$80,300
Family Income:
$110,800
Per Capita Income:
$45,700
Income Male:
$57,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
19.2%
Rent:
$1,680
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
11.5%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
52.1%
Education

Public Schools
Name:
Lincoln High School
Street:
1600 SW Salmon St
Phone:
503-916-5200
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.4
Name:
Grant High School
Street:
2245 NE 36th Ave
Phone:
503-916-5160
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0

Private Schools
Name:
Catlin Gabel School
Street:
8825 SW Barnes Rd
Phone:
503-297-1894
Students:
780

Colleges
Name:
Portland State University
City:
Portland
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
Reed College
City:
Portland
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare

Major Hospitals
Name:
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
Address:
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239
Phone:
(503) 494-8311
Type:
General & Teaching Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Address:
2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Phone:
(503) 413-2200
Type:
General & Trauma Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.3%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
Median Home Price:
$546,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone:
503-945-5000
Website: