Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Portland, Michigan is a smaller city with a population of 4,084 people. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Portland residents are White, 2% Black and 2% Asian. The median age of all Portland residents is 32, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. An important consideration when living in Portland is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Portland, Michigan. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Portland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.
Portland has a livability score of 75 out of 100 and is ranked #157 in Michigan and #3,907 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Portland could be a great choice! For each of the livability categories, we know that Portland ranks very well for crime (A-), cost of living (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Portland scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Portland has a violent crime rate of 53 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Portland has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.9%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Portland market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Portland meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Portland. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Portland are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Portland come in at $224,706, which is 4.7% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Portland, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 21.9% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Portland | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.0% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.4% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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