MainePop. 68,854Smaller cities
Is Portland a Good Place to Live? Portland, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Portland ranks #131 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #61 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and short commutes (19.4 min, #82 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Portland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Portland's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Portland?
Portland's cost of living index is 101.9, 2% above the US level of 100 and #793 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,577/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $559,175, 35% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.9#793 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $559,175#900 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,419/mo#885 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $489,600#969 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,577/mo#770 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.2x#1068 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.8%#872 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Portland housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Portland is in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Portland safe?
Portland recorded 245 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% below the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Maine's 93. That ranks #451 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #206 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,936 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 245#451 of 1,085 | 93 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,936#685 of 1,085 | 939 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Portland?
The median household in Portland earns $79,540, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $79,540#625 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Portland?
The median resident of Portland is 37.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 59.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #133 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 59.7%#133 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Portland's schools and health?
Portland's 15 public schools graduate 88.6% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $20,990 spent per pupil. 27.7% of adults are obese and 8.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.6%#503 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.4#45 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $20,990#164 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.7%#255 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.3%#132 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.2%#280 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,970 students are enrolled in Portland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Portland?
The average commute in Portland is 19.4 minutes (Maine 25.6); 2.6% of workers take transit and 24.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Portland scores 14.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 26.8°F, with 48.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.4 min#297 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 53.9% | 70.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.6% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 11% | 3.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 24.8% | 14.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.7#65 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.4 | 15.6 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 35 | 17.3 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 42.3 | 26 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 53.8 | 35.4 | 4.4 |
| May | 64.2 | 45.5 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 73.6 | 55 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 79.5 | 61.2 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 78.7 | 59.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 71.1 | 52.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 59.5 | 41 | 5.3 |
| Nov | 48.4 | 31.7 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 38.3 | 22.4 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland Jetport.
| Measure | Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 47.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland Jetport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Portland?
Cumberland County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cumberland County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#147 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cumberland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cumberland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0081% | 91% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.023% | 81% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0055% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0042% | 61% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.039% | 4% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Portland compare with similar-size cities?
Portland is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #61 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,854.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #4 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data | 27.7 min |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | #366 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 | 27 min |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #1145 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #153 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 | 22.3 min |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #1215 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 | 18.2 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Portland compare with the rest of Maine?
Portland ranks #4 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 67.1 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 4% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 35% above the typical Maine home.
| City | Rank in ME | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #1 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 |
| Brunswick, MEPop. 17,652 | #2 | 68.8 | $70,722 | $1,465/mo | 48 |
| Westbrook, MEPop. 20,775 | #3 | 68.1 | $85,038 | $1,392/mo | 153 |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #4 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 |
| Saco, MEPop. 20,819 | #5 | 65.8 | $92,241 | $1,249/mo | 33 |
| Bath, MEPop. 8,815 | #6 | 64.5 | $69,390 | $1,044/mo | 57 |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #7 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #8 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 |
| Biddeford, MEPop. 22,498 | #9 | 59.1 | $72,333 | $1,292/mo | 264 |
| Old Town, MEPop. 7,470 | #10 | 58.5 | $51,585 | $989/mo | 0 |
| Sanford, MEPop. 22,247 | #11 | 57.8 | $72,524 | $1,152/mo | 190 |
| Waterville, MEPop. 17,077 | #12 | 57.8 | $53,580 | $978/mo | 91 |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #13 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year |
| Brewer, MEPop. 9,652 | #14 | 57.7 | $66,613 | $1,086/mo | 31 |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #15 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #16 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #17 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 |
| Presque Isle, MEPop. 8,736 | #18 | 54.8 | $55,768 | $904/mo | 229 |
| Augusta, MEPop. 19,077 | #19 | 54.7 | $47,979 | $919/mo | 218 |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #20 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 |
All 20 Maine cities we track, by overall score. Maine statewide: median income $76,442, violent crime 93.2 per 100,000.
How is Portland's score calculated?
Portland scores 67.1 out of 100, #131 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Maine's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Portland. Similar-size median 55.5.
61.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Portland's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
77.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Portland. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Portland's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
79.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Portland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Portland. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Portland. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Portland. Similar-size median 50.0.
79.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Portland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
72.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Portland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Portland has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Portland
Is Portland, ME a good place to live?
Portland ranks #131 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #61 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and short commutes (19.4 min, #82 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Portland?
Portland's cost of living index is 101.9, 2% above the US level of 100 and #793 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,577/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $559,175, 35% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Portland?
Portland recorded 245 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% below the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Maine's 93. That ranks #451 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #206 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,936 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household in Portland earns $79,540, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Portland?
Median rent in Portland is $1,577/mo (Census), #770 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,419/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Portland?
The typical home value in Portland is $559,175, up 0% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $489,600.
How are the public schools in Portland?
Portland's 15 public schools graduate 88.6% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $20,990 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Portland?
The average commute is 19.4 minutes, #297 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Portland?
Portland averages 47.5°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 26.8°F in winter, with 48.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Portland walkable?
Portland scores 14.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Portland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cumberland County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Portland?
Cumberland County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Portland?
Portland has 68,854 residents. The median resident of Portland is 37.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 59.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #133 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Portland compare with the rest of Maine?
Portland ranks #4 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 67.1 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 4% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 35% above the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Portland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Portland's population of 68,854 are Bethesda, MD (#4 overall), Redondo Beach, CA (#366 overall), Schenectady, NY (#907 overall), Weston, FL (#492 overall), and Spring, TX (#1145 overall). Portland is #131.