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Portland Hills, NS

Nova Scotia · Halifax Metro

Portland Hills is a small town in Nova Scotia with a population of 3,403. Residents earn $61,563 per year, which is 18% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
3,403 Population 372/sq mi density
$61,563 Median Income $39,739 per capita
$197,102 Home Value
$762 Median Rent 29.0% income on rent
48°F Avg Temperature 238 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$61,563 median income, 5.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$197,102 home value, $762/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Portland Hills, NS

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $61,563
18% lower than US avg
Home Value $197,102
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $762
34% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 19.8%
60% higher than US avg

How Portland Hills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population3,403
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density372/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%

Economy

B
Median Income$61,563
Per Capita$39,739
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty19.8%
Commute23 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$197,102
Rent$762
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units1,361
Rent Burden29.0%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain79.9 in/yr
Sunny Days238/yr
Elevation200 ft (61 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute23 min

Is Portland Hills a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Portland Hills receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Portland Hills offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Portland Hills is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Portland Hills is $197,102, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Portland Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 238 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 79.9 inches, including 56.0 inches of snow.

Portland Hills has a population of 3,403 with a density of 372 people per square mile, spread across 9.1 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 1.2% Black, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.4% of residents.

Population

3,403
Total Population
372
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
9.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Portland Hills vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 89.4%
14% above US avg
Spanish 3.6%
73% below US avg
Other Languages 7.0%

Social Characteristics

Portland Hills vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Portland Hills is $61,563, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,739. The average weekly wage is $764, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 105 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.

Income: Portland Hills vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$61,563
18% below US avg
Per Capita Income$39,739
Avg Weekly Wage$764

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate19.8%
60% above US avg
Establishments (County)105

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.5 min
Drive Alone82.1%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home16.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Portland Hills is $197,102, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $762 (34% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,361 total housing units in the city. 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$197,102
30% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$762
34% below US avg
Rent Burden29.0%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units1,361

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Portland Hills receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Portland Hills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Portland Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 238 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 79.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 56.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 200 feet.

Temperature

35°F Jan (2°C) 68°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average47.6°F
12% below US avg
January Average35°F (2°C)
July Average68°F (20°C)
Sunny Days238 days/yr

Geography

Elevation200 ft (61 m)
Area9.1 sq mi (23.7 km²)
Population Density372/sq mi
Coordinates44.6640°N, 63.5048°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 79.9"
110% above US avg
Snowfall 56.0"
Wettest Month (Dec) 5.91"
Driest Month (Sep) 3.82"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Jan 12, 2017.

Jul 16, 2007 18 km WSW of Bridgewater, Canada M3.2 105 km
Jan 12, 2017 9 km E of Cow Bay, Canada M2.7 15 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Hurricane History

8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Earl (2010).

Year Name Category Closest
2010 Earl Category 1 89 km
2009 Bill Category 1 85 km
2008 Kyle Category 1 235 km
2003 Juan Category 2 38 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 166 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 44 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 244 km
1989 Dean Category 1 281 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 7.0 m (23 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1917 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Earthquake + Landslide 7.0 m 2,000 7 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 35°F (2°C) 5.4 in
February 24°F (-5°C) 4.5 in Coldest
March 30°F (-1°C) 5.0 in
April 39°F (4°C) 4.5 in
May 49°F (9°C) 4.5 in
June 57°F (14°C) 4.2 in
July 68°F (20°C) 4.1 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.9 in
September 58°F (15°C) 3.8 in Driest
October 48°F (9°C) 5.0 in
November 40°F (4°C) 5.6 in
December 29°F (-2°C) 5.9 in Wettest

Portland Hills has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in February to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.9") and September the driest (3.8").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 82.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density372/sq mi
Total Area9.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.5 min
Drive Alone82.1%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home16.1%

Radio Stations near Portland Hills

12 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Halifax, NS (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CBC Music Atlantic (Halifax) MP3 Stream blues, classical MP3 128 kbps
CBC Radio 1 Halifax local news, public AAC 48 kbps
CKUL-FM "The Breeze 96.5" Halifax, NS new format rebranding, soft adult contemporary AAC 132 kbps
AVR 97.7 MP3 64 kbps
Surge 105 AAC 128 kbps
CKVE-FM 88.7 "Cove FM" Halifax, NS community radio MP3 128 kbps
CKHZ-FM "Hot Country 103.5" Halifax, NS country AAC 128 kbps
Seaside FM 105.9 - CFEP-FM - Eastern Passage community radio MP3 128 kbps
Radio Canada Ici Première (Nouvelle-Écosse, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador) Halifax, NS radio publique AAC 48 kbps
CKHY-FM 105.1 "Surge 105" Dartmouth, NS active rock AAC 128 kbps
CIOE-FM 97.5 Lower Sackville, NS community radio MP3 96 kbps

Museums in Portland Hills

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Acadien House Museum
Africville Museum
Army Museum
Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
Canadian Military Museum
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Cole Harbour Heritage Farm
Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum
Evergreen House
Fairbanks Centre
Fultz House Museum
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Naval Museum of Halifax
Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
Peace Park Pavillion
Pier 21
Public Archives of Nova Scotia
Scott Manor House
Shearwater Aviation Museum
SS Atlantic Interpretative Centre
Steele Wheels Motor Museum
The Old Hall Wilderness Heritage Centre
Waverley Village Mueseum

Libraries in Portland Hills

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Annex0.0
Atlantic School of Theology Library0.0
Atlantic School of Theology Library0.0
Bedford Public Library0.0
Cambridge Military Library0.0
Captain William Spry Public Library0.0
Cole Harbour Public Library0.0
Dartmouth North Public Library0.0
Halifax Central Library0.0
Halifax North Memorial Library0.0
Halifax Public Libraries0.0
Keshen Goodman Public Library0.0
Killam Memorial Library0.0
King's Library0.0
Preston Township Library Office0.0
Sackville Public Library0.0
Sexton Design & Technology Library0.0
Sir James Dunn Law Library0.0
W.K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library0.0
Woodlawn Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Portland Hills

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Avery's Farm Market
Dave’s Fruit & Vegetable Market
Foundation Wharf
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
MCK - Mikes Country Kitchens
MCK - Mikes Country Kitchens
Salt Yard
Torpedo Rays - Scuba Adventures
Torpedo Rays - Scuba Adventures
Warehouse Market
Warehouse Market

Breweries in Portland Hills

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Boxing Rock
Boxing Rock
Brightwood Brewery
Brightwood Brewery
Bulwark Cider House
Bulwark Cider House
Burnside Brewing Company
Burnside Brewing Company
Garrison Brewing Company
Garrison Brewing Company
Good Robot Brewing
Good Robot Brewing
Hardisty Brewing Company
Hardisty Brewing Company
MAK 902
MAK 902
New Scotland Brewing Company
New Scotland Brewing Company
Nine Locks Brewery
Nine Locks Brewery
North Brewing Company
North Brewing Company
Off Track Brewing Ltd.
Propeller Brewing Company
Propeller Brewing Company
Stillwell Brewing Company
Stillwell Brewing Company
Unfiltered Brewing
Unfiltered Brewing
Upstreet BBQ Brewhouse
Upstreet BBQ Brewhouse

Stadiums & Teams in Portland Hills

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Portland Hills

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Ski Martock 0.0 $0

Airports Near Portland Hills

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Halifax / Stanfield International AirportYHZLarge Airport
East Gore Eco AirparkSmall Airport
Porters Lake AirportSmall Airport
Stanley AirportSmall Airport

Treatment Centers in Portland Hills

33 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
CBI Health - Dartmouth Pleasant
Clayton Park Walk-In Medical Clinic
Clydes Medical Practice & Walk-in Clinic
Dermatology & Medical Associates
Dr. T.P. Corkum Gynecology
Eye Care Centre
Health First Chiropractic
HealthView Medical Imaging
Hydrostone Medical Centre
I Stop Pain Acupuncture and Chinese Herb Centre
International Travel Clinic
Lacewood Medical Centre
LASIK MD
Lifemark Physiotherapy
Lima Skin & Laser
Living Well Integrated Health Clinic
Massage Experts
Mend Rx
Montebello Medical
Non Invasive Vascular Lab Testing
Nova Scotia Rehab Centre
Orthopaedic Clinic
Orthopedic Assessment Clinic
Passport Health Halifax Travel Clinic
Roth Associates in Psychology
Scotia Square Medical Clinic
Sincerely Skin
SpryField Family Medicine Clinic
The Disc Clinic
The Family Focus Medical Clinics
TLC Laser Eye Centers
Total Touch Skin Care
Woodlawn Medical Clinic

Churches & Religious Organizations in Portland Hills

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Grace Lutheran Church

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Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Hills

What is the population of Portland Hills?

Portland Hills has a population of 3,403 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 372 people per square mile, spread across 9.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Portland Hills expensive to live in?

The median household income is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,102 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Portland Hills safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Portland Hills receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Portland Hills?

Portland Hills has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 238 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 79.9 inches, with 56.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Portland Hills?

The unemployment rate in Portland Hills is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $764. There are 105 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Portland Hills?

The median home value in Portland Hills is $197,102. For renters, the median monthly rent is $762. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Portland Hills?

32.9% of adults in Portland Hills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Portland Hills?

The average commute in Portland Hills is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Portland Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portland Hills is 96.7% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian. 89.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish.

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