South Portland, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,930
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,838/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,782
0.3% year-over-year change

South Portland population

How many people live in South Portland

South Portland is home to 26,930 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of South Portland locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
26,930
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
12,453
Female
53.8%
14,477
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,453 46.2% -4.0%
Female 14,477 53.8% 4.9%
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 South Portland is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 12% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
12%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,239 12% -3.5%
15 to 24 3,893 14.5% 3.7%
25 to 44 7,669 28.5% 1.9%
45 to 64 6,549 24.3% -5.0%
Over 65 5,580 20.7% 6.3%
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 South Portland, 87.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.9% of locals are Caucasian, 7.2% are African American and 3.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,642 87.8% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,593 5.9% 37.2%
Non-citizens 1,695 6.3% 9.0%
Racial breakdown
White
79.9%
Black or African American
7.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 21,529 79.9%
Black or African American 1,939 7.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 70 0.3%
Asian 911 3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 2,046 7.6%
Other 427 1.6%

Households in South Portland

A peek inside South Portland households

South Portland has 12,152 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.7% are families, while the remaining 47.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,152
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,752
Family households
6,400
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,752 47.3% 0.9%
Family households 6,400 52.7% -0.8%
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 South Portland

The housing landscape of South Portland

South Portland's housing consists of 12,782 units, with 53.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,782
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,830 53.4%
1 unit, attached 648 5.1%
2 units 1,016 8%
3 or 4 units 912 7.1%
5 to 9 units 537 4.2%
10 to 19 units 551 4.3%
20 to 49 units 709 5.6%
50 or more units 1,521 11.9%
Mobile home 58 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
225
6.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Portland

In South Portland, the median construction year is 1968. About 24.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,133 24.5% -1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,398 10.9% -10.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,224 9.6% -10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 777 6.1% 19.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,239 9.7% 8.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,749 13.7% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 872 6.8% 20.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,366 10.7% 5.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 799 6.2% 1.4%
Built in 2020 or later 225 1.8% 6.6%
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.

South Portland occupancy rates

Out of the 12,152 occupied housing units in South Portland, 58.1% are owner-occupied, while 41.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,152
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,089
Owner occupied
7,063
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,089 41.9% 5.6%
Owner occupied 7,063 58.1% -3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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.

South Portland housing costs

Housing costs in South Portland come to a median of $1,688 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,812.

Median housing costs per month
$1,688/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 South Portland
$1,812/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 South Portland

South Portland education at a glance

About 26.4% of the population in South Portland went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 30.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 272 1.2% -24.0%
High school diploma 6,075 26.4% -1.0%
College diploma 3,794 16.5% 0.1%
Associate degree 2,079 9% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 6,968 30.3% 4.5%
Graduate degree 3,791 16.5% 6.1%
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 South Portland

How much people earn in South Portland

The average annual household income in South Portland was $109,425 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,838, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Portland
$109,425/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Portland
$86,838/year
2.7% year-over-year change

South Portland income by age

In South Portland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $99,766. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,884 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,260, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,620 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,260 4.8%
25 - 44 $99,766 -2.0%
45 - 64 $104,884 -0.1%
Over 65 $61,620 12.4%
Above poverty level
24,372
Below poverty level
1,828
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,372 93% 0.2%
Below poverty level 1,828 7% 16.9%

Average renter income in South Portland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Portland, their median household income was $59,818 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,818
Rent-to-income ratio
36.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in South Portland

Workforce and job types in South Portland

The job market in South Portland is powered by 16,323 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 9.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,323
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
13,475
Blue collar
2,848
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,475 82.6% -1.4%
Blue collar 2,848 17.4% 11.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
9.4%
Not for profit companies
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,829 11.2% 11.8%
Private companies 10,944 67% 0.3%
Governmental workers 1,534 9.4% 5.5%
Not for profit companies 2,016 12.4% -8.9%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-5.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Portland stands at 2.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in South Portland

How people get around in South Portland

Commuting methods vary: 71.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% 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 11,576 71.4% -5.5%
Taxicab 298 1.8% 250.6%
Bus or trolleybus 49 0.3% -69.4%
Ferryboat 16 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 179 1.1% 132.5%
Walk 754 4.6% 18.7%
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 South Portland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
04106 27,019 12,230 $86,188 $108,863

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FAQs about South Portland demographics 

What is the total population of South Portland?

South Portland has a total population of 26,930 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Portland?

The gender ratio in South Portland is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (12,453 residents)
  • 53.8% females (14,477 residents)

What is the median age in South Portland?

The median age in South Portland is 40.9.

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

The age distribution in South Portland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12% (3,239 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (3,893 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (7,669 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (6,549 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (5,580 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Portland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Portland is as follows:
  • White: 79.9% (21,529 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.2% (1,939 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (70 residents)
  • Asian: 3.4% (911 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (2,046 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (427 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.8% of the population in South Portland.

How many housing units are there in South Portland?

There are 12,782 housing units in South Portland, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Portland has a total of 12,152 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Portland?

South Portland has a median household income of $86,838, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for South Portland?

The employment rate is 97.4% in South Portland, with a workforce of 16,323 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.6% (13,475 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.4% (2,848 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (1,829 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (10,944 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.4% (1,534 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.4% (2,016 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