Downtown Portland, Portland, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,280
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,269/yr
-4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,176
2.4% year-over-year change

Downtown Portland population

How many people live in Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is home to 6,280 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.5% of Downtown Portland locals are male, and 46.5% are female.

Total population
6,280
-2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.5%
3,358
Female
46.5%
2,922
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,358 53.5% 1.1%
Female 2,922 46.5% -5.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Downtown Portland is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.6% are children under 15, then 20.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.5% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.6%
15 to 24
20.4%
25 to 44
36.5%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 292 4.6% -15.8%
15 to 24 1,281 20.4% 2.8%
25 to 44 2,293 36.5% -6.4%
45 to 64 1,334 21.2% 0.8%
Over 65 1,079 17.2% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Downtown Portland, 85.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.7% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 8.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.4%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,347 85.1% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 588 9.4% -1.3%
Non-citizens 345 5.5% -16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
68.7%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
11.6%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 4,313 68.7%
Black or African American 401 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 67 1.1%
Asian 555 8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 34 0.5%
Two or more races 730 11.6%
Other 179 2.8%

Households in Downtown Portland

A peek inside Downtown Portland households

Downtown Portland has 3,743 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 22% are families, while the remaining 78% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,743
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
2,918
Family households
825
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,918 78% 3.4%
Family households 825 22% -7.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Downtown Portland

The housing landscape of Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland's housing consists of 4,176 units, with 11.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,176
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 471 11.3%
1 unit, attached 84 2%
2 units 65 1.6%
3 or 4 units 58 1.4%
5 to 9 units 129 3.1%
10 to 19 units 144 3.4%
20 to 49 units 616 14.8%
50 or more units 2,597 62.2%
Mobile home 10 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
158
95.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Portland

In Downtown Portland, the median construction year is 1963. About 24.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,033 24.7% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 136 3.3% -11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 234 5.6% -13.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 322 7.7% 2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 339 8.1% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 434 10.4% 8.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 392 9.4% -21.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 503 12% 0.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 625 15% 17.9%
Built in 2020 or later 158 3.8% 95.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Downtown Portland occupancy rates

Out of the 3,743 occupied housing units in Downtown Portland, 21.8% are owner-occupied, while 78.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,743
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,928
Owner occupied
815
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,928 78.2% 4.2%
Owner occupied 815 21.8% -9.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Downtown Portland housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Portland come to a median of $1,497 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,386.

Median housing costs per month
$1,497/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Downtown Portland
$1,386/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland education at a glance

About 17.4% of the population in Downtown Portland went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 29.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 115 2% 2.7%
High school diploma 1,025 17.4% -1.1%
College diploma 1,362 23.2% -8.0%
Associate degree 352 6% 13.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,711 29.1% 4.1%
Graduate degree 1,314 22.4% -4.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Downtown Portland

How much people earn in Downtown Portland

The average annual household income in Downtown Portland was $90,085 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,269, reflecting a -4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Portland
$90,085/year
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Portland
$60,269/year
-4.3% year-over-year change

Downtown Portland income by age

In Downtown Portland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,526. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,152 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,185, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,936 in earnings. Overall, 78.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,185 -5.7%
25 - 44 $79,526 8.7%
45 - 64 $56,152 -17.3%
Over 65 $48,936 -25.3%
Above poverty level
4,438
Below poverty level
1,192
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,438 78.8% -2.4%
Below poverty level 1,192 21.2% -3.4%

Employment in Downtown Portland

Workforce and job types in Downtown Portland

91.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.3% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,206
Blue collar
312
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,206 91.1% -2.0%
Blue collar 312 8.9% -4.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.3%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 362 10.3% 4.6%
Private companies 2,325 66.1% -5.8%
Governmental workers 401 11.4% 7.8%
Not for profit companies 431 12.2% 4.4%

Transportation in Downtown Portland

How people get around in Downtown Portland

Commuting methods vary: 52.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 25.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,124 52.1% -3.7%
Taxicab 43 2% 65.4%
Bus or trolleybus 349 16.2% 15.9%
Railroad 7 0.3% -41.7%
Motorcycle 3 0.1% 50.0%
Bicycle 73 3.4% -6.4%
Walk 557 25.8% -16.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Downtown Portland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97201 16,887 9,758 $63,250 $107,717
97204 885 392 $0 $49,356
97205 9,121 6,369 $57,288 $94,296

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Downtown Portland demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Portland?

Downtown Portland has a total population of 6,280 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Portland?

The gender ratio in Downtown Portland is as follows:
  • 53.5% males (3,358 residents)
  • 46.5% females (2,922 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Portland?

The median age in Downtown Portland is 40.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Portland?

The age distribution in Downtown Portland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.6% (292 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.4% (1,281 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.5% (2,293 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (1,334 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (1,079 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Portland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Portland is as follows:
  • White: 68.7% (4,313 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (401 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (67 residents)
  • Asian: 8.8% (555 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (34 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.6% (730 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (179 residents)

What percentage of the population in Downtown Portland are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.1% of the population in Downtown Portland.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Portland?

There are 4,176 housing units in Downtown Portland, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Downtown Portland and what is the average household size?

Downtown Portland has a total of 3,743 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Portland?

Downtown Portland has a median household income of $60,269, representing a -4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Portland?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.1% (3,206 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.9% (312 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.3% (362 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (2,325 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (401 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.2% (431 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025