South Portland city, Maine Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Portland city, Maine has a total population of 26,780, the 4th largest city in Maine, with a median household income of $84,563, which is 18% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.0%.
Key Takeaways
- South Portland city is the 4th largest city in Maine with a population of 26,780.
South Portland city Quick Facts
How South Portland city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 17 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Portland city Rankings in Maine
Explore Maine Rankings
Other Cities in Cumberland County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland city | 68,505 | $76,174 | 11.3% | $452,600 |
| Westbrook city | 20,484 | $85,868 | 9.1% | $341,800 |
Cities Similar to South Portland city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn city | 24,294 | $66,552 | $254,600 | 28.9% | 12.6% |
| Saco city | 20,636 | $84,328 | $370,300 | 40.5% | 6.8% |
| Biddeford city | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | 30.4% | 15.3% |
| Westbrook city | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | 39.8% | 9.1% |
| Sanford city | 22,095 | $70,570 | $257,200 | 23.6% | 10.6% |
Population Overview
South Portland city is a mid-sized community located in Maine, within Cumberland County. The total population is 26,780. It ranks as the 4th most populous out of 155 cities and towns in Maine.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Portland city is 40.7 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 44.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Portland city is $84,563. This is 18% higher than the state median of $71,773. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%. This is 44% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.8%. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $405,800. Housing costs are 52% higher than the state median of $266,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x. 60.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 74.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in South Portland city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 6.4%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (6.4% vs 1.6%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (3.3% vs 2.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.8% vs 1.1%).
Education
49.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% higher than the state rate of 35.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.4%. Notably, 18.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Portland city, Maine is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Maine state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 155 Census-designated places in Maine. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all Maine city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Portland city, Maine?
South Portland city, Maine has a population of 26,780 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Portland city, ME?
The median household income in South Portland city is $84,563, which is 8% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Portland city, ME?
The poverty rate in South Portland city is 6.0%. This means approximately 1,564 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Portland city, Maine?
South Portland city's population is 82.5% White, 6.4% Black, 3.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Portland city, ME?
The median home value in South Portland city is $405,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
How educated is South Portland city, Maine?
49.3% of adults (25+) in South Portland city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.