OregonPop. 641,165Large cities
Is Portland a Good Place to Live? Portland, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Portland ranks #736 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 37 large cities and #11 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($90,919, #8 of 37) and low poverty (12.7%, #9 of 37), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #29 of 37) and expensive homes ($581,500, #29 of 37).
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 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,655/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $527,359, 6% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Portland | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $527,359#866 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,732/mo#535 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $581,500#1060 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,655/mo#837 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 21.8%#657 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oregon 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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Portland safe?
Portland recorded 702 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Oregon's 311. That ranks #968 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #21 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portland Police Department. Property crime runs 5,113 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Portland | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 702#968 of 1,085 | 311 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 5,113#1076 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oregon 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 $90,919, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Portland | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $90,919#446 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 12.7%#712 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oregon 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 38.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 53.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #202 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 38.8 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 53.8%#202 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 52% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Portland's schools and health?
Portland's 120 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $19,757 spent per pupil. 28.5% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Portland | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 17.5#791 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $19,757#219 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 28.5%#293 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 7.1%#264 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 57,835 students are enrolled in Portland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Portland?
The average commute in Portland is 24.1 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 6.1% of workers take transit and 28.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Portland scores 15.7 of 20 (most walkable), #10 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 42.5°F, with 36.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Portland | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 49.5% | 65.2% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 6.1% | 2.4% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 4.3% | 3.4% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 3.4% | 1.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 28.5% | 17.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 15.7#10 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oregon 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 | 47.5 | 36.2 | 5 |
| Feb | 51.5 | 36.8 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 39.7 | 4 |
| Apr | 62 | 43.7 | 2.9 |
| May | 69.3 | 49.4 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 74.3 | 54.1 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 58.5 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 82.3 | 58.9 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 76.7 | 54.1 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 64.4 | 46.7 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 40.6 | 5.5 |
| Dec | 46.9 | 36.2 | 5.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland International Airport.
| Measure | Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 55.1°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 68.3°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 42.5°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 36.9 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Portland?
Multnomah County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Multnomah County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Portland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#804 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Multnomah County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Multnomah County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.1% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #14 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 641,165.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #1297 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 | 21.1 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 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 Oregon?
Portland ranks #11 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 7% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Portland's score calculated?
Portland scores 54.3 out of 100, #736 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon'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 50.4.
53.1 - 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 44.7.
25.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Portland. Similar-size median 52.4.
64.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Portland's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
60.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Portland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
49.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Portland. Similar-size median 43.4.
56.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Portland. Similar-size median 40.4.
38.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Portland. Similar-size median 56.6.
76.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Portland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
77.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
52.3 - 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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, OR a good place to live?
Portland ranks #736 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 37 large cities and #11 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($90,919, #8 of 37) and low poverty (12.7%, #9 of 37), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #29 of 37) and expensive homes ($581,500, #29 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Portland?
Portland's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,655/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $527,359, 6% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Portland?
Portland recorded 702 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Oregon's 311. That ranks #968 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #21 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portland Police Department. Property crime runs 5,113 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household in Portland earns $90,919, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Portland?
Median rent in Portland is $1,655/mo (Census), #837 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,732/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Portland?
The typical home value in Portland is $527,359, up 0.3% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $581,500.
How are the public schools in Portland?
Portland's 120 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $19,757 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Portland?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Portland?
Portland averages 55.1°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 42.5°F in winter, with 36.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Portland walkable?
Portland scores 15.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #10 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 Multnomah County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Portland?
Multnomah County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Portland?
Portland has 641,165 residents. The median resident of Portland is 38.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 53.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #202 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Portland compare with the rest of Oregon?
Portland ranks #11 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 7% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Portland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Portland's population of 641,165 are Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), Boston, MA (#339 overall), Las Vegas, NV (#1130 overall), and Detroit, MI (#1310 overall). Portland is #736.