Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, OR
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
Demographics - Portland, OR
Portland is home to around 635,000 residents, with a median age of 37.8 and a nearly even gender balance. The city is predominantly White (about 72%), but also features vibrant Asian, Black, and other communities, and nearly one in five residents speak a language other than English, reflecting its growing diversity.
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
What is the average cost of living in Portland, OR?
Living in Portland comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value of $546,000 and average rent at $1,680 per month. While groceries and transportation are also above the national average, utilities are relatively affordable, making budget planning important for newcomers.
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
Is Portland, OR a safe place to live?
Portland experiences higher rates of property crime, with about 5,060 incidents per 100,000 people annually, and a 1 in 190 chance of being affected by violent crime. While the city offers many amenities, it's wise to stay aware of neighborhood safety when choosing where to live.
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
What is the weather like in Portland, OR year-round?
Portland enjoys a mild climate with warm, pleasant summers averaging highs around 82°F and cool, wet winters with highs near 47°F. The city receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush greenery and temperate seasons.
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
Portland neighborhoods are marked by a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $80,300 and a poverty rate of 13.7%. Residents enjoy high educational attainment—over half hold a bachelor's degree or higher—and benefit from a moderate 26-minute average commute, with many utilizing public transit.
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
How are the schools in Portland, OR?
Portland offers a variety of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public high schools like Lincoln and Grant, plus private options such as Catlin Gabel. Higher education is easily accessible through institutions like Portland State University and Reed College, supporting a highly educated local workforce.
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
Portland boasts excellent healthcare access, anchored by major hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. With three physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% of the population insured, newcomers can expect high-quality and accessible medical care.
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
What is the housing market like in Portland, OR?
The city's housing market features a median home price of $546,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,800, with just over half of residents owning their homes. Housing inventory remains stable, with modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it a steady market for buyers and renters alike.
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
Oregon's DMV services are managed from Salem, with convenient online resources and a main office at 1905 Lana Ave NE. Residents can handle licensing, registrations, and vehicle needs through the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services website or by phone.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone:
503-945-5000
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.