Portland

About Portland

Portland is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine. Its population was 68,408 at the 2020 census and the Greater Portland metropolitan area has a population of approximately 550,000 people, the most populous metropolitan area in Maine. It is the county seat of Cumberland County. Historically tied to commercial shipping, the marine economy, and light industry, Portland's economy in the 21st century relies mostly on the service sector. The Port of Portland is the second-largest tonnage seaport in the New England area as of 2019.

First settled in the early 1600s as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the city endured multiple attacks during colonial conflicts before emerging as a key port in New England. It was formally founded in 1786 and named after the English Isle of Portland. In turn, the city of Portland, Oregon, was named after Portland, Maine. The city seal depicts a phoenix rising from ashes, a reference to Portland's recovery from four devastating fires.

Notable Portland landmarks include the historic Old Port district, known for its cobblestone streets and preserved warehouses; Victoria Mansion, an ornate Italianate home reflecting the city's prosperity during the pre-Civil War era; and the Portland Museum of Art, the largest and oldest public art institution in the state. The Greater Portland area has emerged as an important center for the creative economy, which is also bringing gentrification.

Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Portland weather: 7-day forecast

Source: National Weather Service (NOAA).

Live webcams in Portland

Webcams: Windy.com

Living in Portland

Median household income

$79,540

Median home value

$489,600

Median rent

$1,577/mo

Median age

37.8

Map of Portland

Tap any street on the map to see it in Street View below. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Portland Street View

Drag the image to look around and tap the arrows on the ground to move. If it says there is no imagery, tap a nearby street on the map above.

Portland, ME population

Portland had 68,408 residents in the 2020 Census.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.

Portland at a glance

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.

Towns near Portland

• Long Island3.4 mi NE
• Cape Elizabeth4.6 mi S
• South Portland5.0 mi W
• Falmouth Foreside7.0 mi N
• Oak Hill8.2 mi W
• Scarborough8.6 mi SW
• Falmouth8.7 mi NW
• Chebeague Island8.8 mi NE
• Cousins Island8.8 mi N
• Littlejohn Island9.2 mi N
• Westbrook9.8 mi NW
• Yarmouth10.7 mi N

Straight-line distance between town centers.

Frequently asked questions about Portland