Sylvan Highlands, Portland, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,433
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,480/yr
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,797
1.2% year-over-year change

Sylvan Highlands population

How many people live in Sylvan Highlands

Sylvan Highlands is home to 3,433 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Sylvan Highlands locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
3,433
-1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
1,676
Female
51.2%
1,757
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,676 48.8% -0.3%
Female 1,757 51.2% -2.5%
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 Sylvan Highlands is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.6% are children under 15, then 10.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.8% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 44
29.8%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 500 14.6% -9.1%
15 to 24 364 10.6% 2.2%
25 to 44 1,022 29.8% 1.0%
45 to 64 877 25.5% -2.8%
Over 65 671 19.5% 1.2%
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 Sylvan Highlands, 89.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.9% of locals are Caucasian, 2.9% are African American and 6.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.9%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,063 89.2% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 271 7.9% -7.8%
Non-citizens 99 2.9% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
73.9%
Black or African American
2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
13.7%
Other
2.3%
Value Percent
White 2,536 73.9%
Black or African American 100 2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.3%
Asian 223 6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 14 0.4%
Two or more races 469 13.7%
Other 79 2.3%

Households in Sylvan Highlands

A peek inside Sylvan Highlands households

Sylvan Highlands has 1,669 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.8% are families, while the remaining 49.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,669
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
822
Family households
847
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 822 49.2% 0.2%
Family households 847 50.8% -0.3%
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 Sylvan Highlands

The housing landscape of Sylvan Highlands

Sylvan Highlands's housing consists of 1,797 units, with 49.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,797
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 895 49.8%
1 unit, attached 22 1.2%
2 units 9 0.5%
3 or 4 units 38 2.1%
5 to 9 units 44 2.4%
10 to 19 units 67 3.7%
20 to 49 units 181 10.1%
50 or more units 541 30.1%
Homes built since 2020
54
68.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sylvan Highlands

In Sylvan Highlands, the median construction year is 1966. About 19.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 344 19.2% -2.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 117 6.5% 8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 270 15% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 233 13% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 248 13.8% 9.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 134 7.5% -7.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 103 5.7% -16.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 156 8.7% -11.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 136 7.6% 25.9%
Built in 2020 or later 54 3% 68.8%
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.

Sylvan Highlands occupancy rates

Out of the 1,669 occupied housing units in Sylvan Highlands, 48.8% are owner-occupied, while 51.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,669
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
854
Owner occupied
815
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 854 51.2% 6.9%
Owner occupied 815 48.8% -6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
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.

Sylvan Highlands housing costs

Housing costs in Sylvan Highlands come to a median of $1,841 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,562.

Median housing costs per month
$1,841/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 Sylvan Highlands
$1,562/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 Sylvan Highlands

Sylvan Highlands education at a glance

About 12.6% of the population in Sylvan Highlands went to high school, while 14.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 36.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 29.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 0.8% 31.2%
High school diploma 354 12.6% 4.4%
College diploma 407 14.5% -1.9%
Associate degree 161 5.7% 32.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,030 36.6% -2.3%
Graduate degree 841 29.9% -3.8%
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 Sylvan Highlands

How much people earn in Sylvan Highlands

The average annual household income in Sylvan Highlands was $209,794 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $101,480, reflecting a -1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sylvan Highlands
$209,794/year
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sylvan Highlands
$101,480/year
-1.0% year-over-year change

Sylvan Highlands income by age

In Sylvan Highlands, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $123,686. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,944 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,759, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $74,306 in earnings. Overall, 89.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,759 -2.7%
25 - 44 $123,686 -2.8%
45 - 64 $105,944 1.6%
Over 65 $74,306 -8.5%
Above poverty level
3,034
Below poverty level
352
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,034 89.6% -1.5%
Below poverty level 352 10.4% 1.4%

Employment in Sylvan Highlands

Workforce and job types in Sylvan Highlands

92% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 65.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,678
Blue collar
147
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,678 92% 0.5%
Blue collar 147 8% -1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
65.1%
Governmental workers
10.8%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 249 13.6% -5.0%
Private companies 1,188 65.1% -1.6%
Governmental workers 198 10.8% 17.2%
Not for profit companies 190 10.4% 5.0%

Transportation in Sylvan Highlands

How people get around in Sylvan Highlands

Commuting methods vary: 81.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.2% 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 913 81.6% 0.7%
Taxicab 8 0.7% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 60 5.4% -24.1%
Railroad 1 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% -50.0%
Bicycle 22 2% 10.0%
Walk 114 10.2% 1.8%
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 Sylvan Highlands by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97205 9,121 6,369 $57,288 $94,296
97221 12,915 5,230 $145,671 $224,609

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FAQs about Sylvan Highlands demographics 

What is the total population of Sylvan Highlands?

Sylvan Highlands has a total population of 3,433 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 -1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sylvan Highlands?

The gender ratio in Sylvan Highlands is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (1,676 residents)
  • 51.2% females (1,757 residents)

What is the median age in Sylvan Highlands?

The median age in Sylvan Highlands is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sylvan Highlands?

The age distribution in Sylvan Highlands is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.6% (500 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.6% (364 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.8% (1,022 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (877 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (671 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sylvan Highlands?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sylvan Highlands is as follows:
  • White: 73.9% (2,536 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.9% (100 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 6.5% (223 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (14 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.7% (469 residents)
  • Other: 2.3% (79 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sylvan Highlands are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.2% of the population in Sylvan Highlands.

How many housing units are there in Sylvan Highlands?

There are 1,797 housing units in Sylvan Highlands, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sylvan Highlands and what is the average household size?

Sylvan Highlands has a total of 1,669 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sylvan Highlands?

Sylvan Highlands has a median household income of $101,480, representing a -1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sylvan Highlands?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92% (1,678 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8% (147 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (249 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.1% (1,188 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.8% (198 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (190 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