MainePop. 26,930Small cities
Is South Portland a Good Place to Live? South Portland, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Portland ranks #80 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184) and low violent crime (55 per 100,000, #12 of 174), and trails on high rents ($1,812/mo, #186 of 208) and high living costs (101.9, #178 of 208).
South Portland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South 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 South Portland?
South 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 $1,812/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $522,512, 26% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | South Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 101.9#793 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $522,512#857 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,492/mo#913 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $441,200#874 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,812/mo#973 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 25%#1004 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
South 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. South Portland is in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is South Portland safe?
South Portland recorded 55 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Maine's 93. That ranks #37 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Portland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,085 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | South Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 55#37 of 1,085 | 93 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,085#258 of 1,085 | 939 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 South Portland?
The median household in South Portland earns $86,838, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | South Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $86,838#509 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.9%#236 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Portland?
The median resident of South Portland is 40.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 51.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #234 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 51.7%#234 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 58.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are South Portland's schools and health?
South Portland's 8 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 10.1 students per teacher and $18,364 spent per pupil. 27% of adults are obese and 8.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | South Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 10.1#11 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,364#317 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 27%#225 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.7%#175 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.1%#264 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,953 students are enrolled in South Portland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in South Portland?
The average commute in South Portland is 17.1 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0.4% of workers take transit and 19.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Portland scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 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 | South Portland | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.1 min#144 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 65.5% | 70.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.7% | 3.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 19.5% | 14.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | South Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 47.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 48.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 South 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 | South Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#147 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 South Portland compare with similar-size cities?
South Portland is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #16 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,930.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #1072 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 | 24 min |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #520 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 | 24.2 min |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #410 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data | 28.9 min |
| Jenks, OKPop. 27,102 | #185 | 64.9 | $111,004 | $1,602/mo | 99 | 20.5 min |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #577 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 | 13.5 min |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #711 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 | 28.6 min |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 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 South Portland compare with the rest of Maine?
South Portland ranks #1 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 69.1 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 14% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% 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 South Portland's score calculated?
South Portland scores 69.1 out of 100, #80 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 South Portland. Similar-size median 52.9.
66.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South Portland's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
95.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Portland. Similar-size median 52.2.
68.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in South Portland's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
76.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
South Portland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
56.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Portland. Similar-size median 46.7.
65.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South Portland. Similar-size median 44.2.
45.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Portland. Similar-size median 47.3.
65.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Portland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
76.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Portland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories South 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 South Portland
Is South Portland, ME a good place to live?
South Portland ranks #80 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184) and low violent crime (55 per 100,000, #12 of 174), and trails on high rents ($1,812/mo, #186 of 208) and high living costs (101.9, #178 of 208).
What is the cost of living in South Portland?
South 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 $1,812/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $522,512, 26% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in South Portland?
South Portland recorded 55 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Maine's 93. That ranks #37 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Portland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,085 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in South Portland?
The median household in South Portland earns $86,838, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in South Portland?
Median rent in South Portland is $1,812/mo (Census), #973 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,492/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Portland?
The typical home value in South Portland is $522,512, up 3.3% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $441,200.
How are the public schools in South Portland?
South Portland's 8 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 10.1 students per teacher and $18,364 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in South Portland?
The average commute is 17.1 minutes, #144 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Portland?
South 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 South Portland walkable?
South Portland scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 South 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 South 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 South Portland?
South Portland has 26,930 residents. The median resident of South Portland is 40.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 51.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #234 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Portland compare with the rest of Maine?
South Portland ranks #1 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 69.1 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 14% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to South Portland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Portland's population of 26,930 are Conway, SC (#1072 overall), Clinton, MS (#520 overall), Kuna, ID (#410 overall), Jenks, OK (#185 overall), and Mason City, IA (#577 overall). South Portland is #80.