Median Income
$42,385
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$232,100
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$837
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.9%
147% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.1%
110% higher than US avg
How Portola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,462
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density455/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Economy
D
Median Income$42,385
Per Capita$21,378
Unemployment8.9%
Poverty26.1%
County GDP$127M
Commute20 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$232,100
Rent$837
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$264,558
Rent Burden36.3%
Health
Obesity32.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain23.3 in/yr
Elevation4,975 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+89.9%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute20 min
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Portola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Portola receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Portola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Portola is $42,385, 44% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Portola is $232,100, 18% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $837 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.5x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Portola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Portola has a population of 2,462 with a density of 455 people per square mile. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (84.3%), with 2.9% Hispanic.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 85.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Spanish | 14.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
The median household income in Portola is $42,385, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 8.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,385 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,583 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.9% |
| 147% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.1% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 135 |
| County GDP | $127M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,270 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Portola is $232,100, 18% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $837 (28% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,558.
Home Values
| Census Median | $232,100 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $264,558 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $837 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,270 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Portola, 32.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.1% report depression. 25.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Portola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,389/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 7.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Crime Rates: Portola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Portola has an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation is 23.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 23.3 inches |
| 39% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 37.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,975 ft (1,516 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 455/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8208°N, 120.4743°W |
| County FIPS | 06091 |