Oregon / Washington County

Moving to Portland, OR

Thinking of making a move to Portland, OR? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, OR

Considering a move to Portland, OR? This welcoming community of 652,503 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $540,000 and average rents near $1,780. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (47% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portland's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portland, OR

Portland has a population of 652,503 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 70% White, 6% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
652,503
Density
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
70.0%
Black
5.8%
Asian
8.0%
Others
16.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portland, OR?

The cost of living in Portland is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 129.4. Median home values are around $540,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$540,000
Gross Rent
$1,780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
129.4
Grocery
113.5
Housing
154.2
Utilities
105.3
Transportation
112.8
Health Care
108.7
Miscellaneous
109.8

Crime

Is Portland, OR a safe place to live?

Portland is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 703 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 18. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Oregon.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
703
Property Crimes Per 100k
5,420
Crime Index
6,123
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 142
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 18

Weather

What is the weather like in Portland, OR year-round?

Portland experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 47% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
47%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,000 and a low poverty rate of 14.1%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 52% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 13% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$84,000
Family Income
$103,500
Per Capita Income
$44,900
Income Male
$56,000
Income Female
$49,000
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Non English Speakers
10.8%
Rent
$1,780
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
12.9%
Commute Time
27.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
52.4%

Education

How are the schools in Portland, OR?

Portland offers quality education options, with public schools like Lincoln High School and Grant High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Portland State University, University of Portland, and Lewis & Clark College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lincoln High School
Street
1600 SW Salmon St
Phone
503-916-5200
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Grant High School
Street
2245 NE 36th Ave
Phone
503-916-5160
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
17.8

Private Schools

Name
Catlin Gabel School
Street
8825 SW Barnes Rd
Phone
503-297-1894
Students
790
Name
Central Catholic High School
Street
2401 SE Stark St
Phone
503-235-3138
Students
750

Colleges

Name
Portland State University
City
Portland
State
OR
Distance
0 miles
Students
23,000
Name
University of Portland
City
Portland
State
OR
Distance
5 miles
Students
4,300
Name
Lewis & Clark College
City
Portland
State
OR
Distance
6 miles
Students
3,400

Healthcare

Portland residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and Providence Portland Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 93.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
Address
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239
Phone
(503) 494-8311
Type
Teaching & Trauma Center
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Address
2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Phone
(503) 413-2200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Providence Portland Medical Center
Address
4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213
Phone
(503) 215-1111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
93.6%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portland, OR?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $540,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Portland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$540,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,780
Owner Occupied Rate
53.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Portland handle vehicle services through the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, conveniently located in Salem. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Oregon
Department
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address
1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone
(503) 945-5000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Portland, OR

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portland, review the core fields on this page: population 652,503, median home value $540,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,780, commute time 27.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 47%.

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