Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, TN
Considering a move to Portland, TN? With a friendly population of just over 13,000 and a median home price of $265,000, this small city offers affordable living and a relaxed pace. Residents enjoy moderate crime rates, average commutes of around 33 minutes, and access to local schools and emergency healthcare. With a cost of living below the national average, abundant sunny days, and a welcoming community, Portland is a great choice for families or anyone seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of Nashville.
Demographics - Portland, TN
Demographics - Portland, TN
Portland, TN is home to about 13,156 residents, with a median age of 36.2, and a community that is predominantly White, alongside smaller Black, Asian, and other populations. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a modest share of non-English speakers, reflecting a close-knit and diverse small-town atmosphere.
Population:
13,156
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portland, TN?
Portland boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rent around $1,120, notably below national averages. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain reasonable, and low state income taxes further support budget-friendly living for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
2% (income tax on dividends/interest only)
Cost Of Living Index:
89.9
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
82.7
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
92.2
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
97.6
Crime
Is Portland, TN a safe place to live?
Residents of Portland experience relatively low violent crime rates, with about 176 incidents per 100,000 people, and have a 1 in 65 chance of property crime. The overall crime index suggests a safer environment compared to many urban areas, contributing to the city's family-friendly appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
176
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,545
Crime Index:
1,721
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 568
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Portland, TN year-round?
Portland enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and winters rarely dipping below 28°F. The city sees about 52 inches of annual rainfall and benefits from abundant sunshine on 56% of days, making it comfortable for outdoor activities most of the year.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Portland's households typically earn around $61,800, with a median income of $36,000 and a poverty rate of 11.1%. Most residents commute about 33 minutes for work, and the majority have completed high school, creating a stable and community-focused environment.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$61,800
Family Income:
$72,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$43,000
Income Female:
$32,500
Poverty Rate:
11.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
32.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
17.1%
Education
How are the schools in Portland, TN?
Portland offers a range of educational options, including well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and several private school choices. Nearby colleges like Volunteer State Community College and Western Kentucky University are easily accessible, supporting lifelong learning for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Portland High School
Street:
600 College St
Phone:
615-325-9201
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Watt Hardison Elementary
Street:
300 College St
Phone:
615-325-7352
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9

Private Schools
Name:
Highland Academy
Street:
211 Highland Circle Dr
Phone:
615-325-2036
Students:
190

Colleges
Name:
Volunteer State Community College
City:
Gallatin
State:
TN
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
7,600
Name:
Western Kentucky University
City:
Bowling Green
State:
KY
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
16,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Portland is strong, with emergency and general hospitals nearby and nearly 90% of residents having health insurance. The city offers approximately 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality care for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
TriStar Portland ER
Address:
103 Redbud Dr, Portland, TN 37148
Phone:
(615) 325-9010
Type:
Emergency Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sumner Regional Medical Center
Address:
555 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone:
(615) 328-8888
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portland, TN?
The local housing market features a median home price of $265,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate near 70%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, making Portland an attractive option for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, with the nearest full-service DMV located in Nashville. Online resources and regional offices streamline services such as licensing and vehicle registration for Portland locals.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Foster Ave, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
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.