Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Portland, ME
Considering a move to South Portland, ME? With a population of around 27,000, this coastal city offers a balanced lifestyle, featuring a median home price of $390,000 and average rent near $1,700. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging under 20 minutes, low violent crime rates, and strong educational attainment with nearly half holding a bachelor's degree or higher. South Portland boasts easy access to quality healthcare, coastal recreation, and a comfortable New England climate with four distinct seasons.
Demographics - South Portland, ME
Demographics - South Portland, ME
South Portland is home to nearly 27,000 residents, with a population density that provides a blend of urban amenities and neighborhood feel. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 41, and features a balanced gender ratio and a small but vibrant percentage of non-English speakers, adding to its cultural diversity.
Population:
26,993
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
3.9%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Portland, ME?
Living in South Portland comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven mainly by housing costs, with the median home value at $390,000 and average rents around $1,700. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, while state tax rates range from 5.8% to 7.15%, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.7
Grocery:
104.3
Housing:
120.1
Utilities:
117.6
Transportation:
106.9
Health Care:
104.8
Miscellaneous:
101.2
Crime
Is South Portland, ME a safe place to live?
South Portland offers a relatively safe environment, with violent crime rates lower than many U.S. cities—residents face a 1 in 704 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 65 chance for property crime. This contributes to a reassuring sense of security for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
142
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,550
Crime Index:
1,692
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 704
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in South Portland, ME year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 15°F and warm summers reaching up to 78°F. The city enjoys about 54% sunny days annually and receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall, providing a classic New England climate ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
South Portland neighborhoods benefit from a strong sense of community and economic stability, with a median household income of $76,900 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. The area boasts high educational attainment and short average commute times, making it attractive to professionals and families.
Median Income:
$44,200
Household Income:
$76,900
Family Income:
$97,500
Per Capita Income:
$39,900
Income Male:
$51,500
Income Female:
$39,200
Poverty Rate:
9.4%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,700
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
46.7%
Education
How are the schools in South Portland, ME?
South Portland offers strong educational opportunities, including highly-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private institutions. The city is also home to Southern Maine Community College and is just minutes from the University of Southern Maine, supporting lifelong learning and career development.
Public Schools
Name:
South Portland High School
Street:
637 Highland Ave
Phone:
207-767-3266
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Mahoney Middle School
Street:
240 Ocean St
Phone:
207-799-7386
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Cross School
Street:
436 Broadway
Phone:
207-799-6661
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Southern Maine Community College
City:
South Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
University of Southern Maine
City:
Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is a highlight, with two major hospitals nearby and 95% of residents carrying health insurance. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, medical services are readily available for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maine Medical Center
Address:
22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 662-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Address:
175 Fore River Pkwy, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 879-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Portland, ME?
The local housing market is robust, featuring a median home price of $390,000 and a homeownership rate above 60%. Rental options are competitive, with a low vacancy rate of 3.5% and steady home appreciation indicating a healthy investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing needs are met by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with a conveniently located office on Presumpscot Street in nearby Portland. Residents can access services both in person and online, ensuring straightforward management of driving and registration requirements.
State:
Maine
Department:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
125 Presumpscot St, Portland, ME 04103
Phone:
207-822-6400
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.