Portland had a **2020 U.S. Census population of about 652,503**, making it the largest city in Oregon. The broader metropolitan area, which includes surrounding counties in Oregon and Washington, is substantially larger and is the main labor and media market for the region.
Population characteristics commonly noted in census and survey data include:
- **Growth:** Portland grew rapidly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, though growth slowed in recent years and some estimates suggested slight declines after 2020. - **Age structure:** The city has a large working-age adult population, along with substantial student, family, and retiree populations. Exact current age shares vary by source and year. - **Gender:** The population is broadly balanced by gender, as in many large U.S. cities. - **Race and ethnicity:** Portland has historically been whiter than many major U.S. cities because of Oregon's exclusionary and discriminatory history, though it has become more diverse over time. The city includes sizable Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Black, multiracial, and immigrant communities. - **Languages:** English is dominant, but Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese languages, Russian, Ukrainian, Somali, and many other languages are spoken in homes and communities across the city. - **Religion:** Portland is often described as relatively secular compared with many U.S. cities, though it includes Christian congregations of many denominations along with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and other faith communities. - **Education:** Educational attainment is generally above the U.S. average, especially in central neighborhoods with large professional populations. - **Income and inequality:** Portland has both affluent areas and communities facing persistent poverty. Income varies sharply by neighborhood, race, housing tenure, and educational attainment. - **Employment:** Major employment sectors include healthcare, education, technology, trade, logistics, public administration, hospitality, and professional services.
The city has also seen intense debate over displacement and demographic change, especially in historically Black neighborhoods in North and Northeast Portland where redevelopment and rising housing costs have altered long-standing community patterns.