Oregon / Multnomah 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 635,067 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $546,000 and average rents near $1,800. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% 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 635,067 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 6% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Portland is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 133.2. Median home values are around $546,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,680. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 525 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 20. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% 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
82°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $80,300 and a low poverty rate of 13.7%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 52% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 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 and Reed 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
1,500
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University Hospital and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.0 per 1,000 people and 94.3% 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
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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $546,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 2.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Portland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Portland handle vehicle services through the Oregon Driver & 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 & 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 635,067, median home value $546,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,800, commute time 26.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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