Median Income
$65,116
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,000
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
280/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,016
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Portland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,821
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density1,453/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,116
Per Capita$37,563
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$3,168M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,000
Rent$1,016
Ownership64.9%
Zillow$279,521
Housing Units1,524
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent280/100K
Property1,195/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault153/100K
Burglary51/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking13.2%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation717 ft (219 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute29 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Portland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Portland receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Portland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Portland is $65,116, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Portland is $165,000, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Portland is below the national average at 280 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,195 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Portland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches, including 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Portland has a population of 3,821 with a density of 1,453 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Portland is $65,116, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,563. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,464 business establishments, including 99 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,116 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,563 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,741 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,464 |
| County GDP | $3,168M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 99 |
| Healthcare | 131 |
| Retail | 177 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,237 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Portland is $165,000, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $279,521, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,016 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,524 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,237 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,000 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $279,521 |
| Median List Price | $229,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $156 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,016 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,524 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,237 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.78% |
In Portland, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,309. The dentist ratio is 1:3,190. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Portland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,309 |
| Dentists | 1:3,190 |
| Mental Health | 1:676 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,260/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 131 |
Portland has a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 152.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 127.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,195 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,017, burglary at 51, vehicle theft at 127 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Portland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Portland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 279.8/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 127.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 152.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,195.3/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| Burglary | 50.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,017.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 127.2/100K |
| Arson | 25.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 101 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Portland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. The area receives 50.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 717 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 717 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,453/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8698°N, 84.8989°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.3"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
83 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
25 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
381 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 140 fatalities, 1,357 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
89 km |
116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
5 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
5 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
54 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Portland has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Portland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $614 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $789 |
| Toddler | $809 |
| Preschool | $809 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Portland
What is the population of Portland?
Portland has a population of 3,821 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,453 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Portland expensive to live in?
Portland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,116, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,000 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Portland safe?
Portland is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,195 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Portland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Portland?
Portland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.3 inches, with 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Portland?
The job market in Portland is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 1,464 business establishments in the area, including 99 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $165,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $279,521. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,016. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,237.
How are the schools in Portland?
Schools in Portland score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Portland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Portland?
The obesity rate in Portland is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,309.
What is transportation like in Portland?
The average commute in Portland is 29 minutes. 87.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Portland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Portland is 88.5% White, 2% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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