South Portland, ME

Census Place

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    2024 Population
    26,930
    US Senator
    Susan Collins
    Republican Party
    US Senator
    Angus King
    Independent Party
    2024 Median Age
    40.9
    0.491% 1-year increase
    2024 Poverty Rate
    6.94%
    15.7% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $86,838
    2.69% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $441,200
    8.72% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    16,323
    0.697% 1-year growth

    About

    None of the households in South Portland, ME reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    93.7% of the residents in South Portland, ME are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in South Portland, ME are Southern Maine Community College (862 degrees awarded in 2024).

    In 2024, the median property value in South Portland, ME was $441,200, and the homeownership rate was 58.1%.

    Most people in South Portland, ME drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 17.1 minutes. The average car ownership in South Portland, ME was 2 cars per household.

    About the photo: Spring Point Ledge Light breakwater
    Photo by Mark
    United StatesMaineCumberland County, MEPortland-South Portland, MECumberland (Outside Portland) & York (East) Counties--Biddeford & Saco Cities PUMA, MECumberland County (Southeast)--Portland, South Portland & Westbrook Cities PUMA, ME

    Population & Diversity

    South Portland, ME is home to a population of 26.9k people, from which 93.7% are citizens. As of 2024, 10.5% of South Portland, ME residents were born outside of the country (2.82k people).

    In 2024, there were 11 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (21.2k people) in South Portland, ME than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.93k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 911 Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    93.7%
    2024 Citizenship
    94.2%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 93.7% of South Portland, ME residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in South Portland, ME was 94.2%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in South Portland, ME compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in South Portland, ME
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      21.2k ± 658
    2. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
      1.93k ± 488
    3. Asian (Non-Hispanic)
      911 ± 333
    4.02%
    Hispanic Population
    1.08k people

    In 2024, there were 11 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (21.2k people) in South Portland, ME than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.93k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 911 Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    4.02% of the people in South Portland, ME are hispanic (1.08k people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in South Portland, ME as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Maine.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Canada
      10,285 ± 2,481 people
    2. China
      2,950 ± 1,332 people
    3. Other Africa, not specified
      2,714 ± 1,278 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Maine was Canada, the natal country of 10,285 Maine residents, followed by China with 2,950 and Other Africa, not specified with 2,714.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    10.5%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    2.82k people
    9.01%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    2.41k people

    As of 2024, 10.5% of South Portland, ME residents (2.82k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in South Portland, ME was 9.01%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in South Portland, ME compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      548 ± 217
    2. Gulf War (1990s)
      163 ± 110
    3. Gulf War (2001-)
      133 ± 74

    South Portland, ME has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 3.36 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in South Portland, ME.

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    Health

    93.7% of the population of South Portland, ME has health coverage, with 53.8% on employee plans, 9.26% on Medicaid, 14.4% on Medicare, 15.4% on non-group plans, and 0.951% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Maine see 932 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (932 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1406 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 177 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 46.1% were men and 53.9% were women.

    Coverage

    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 16.2% under 18 years, 25.3% between 18 and 34 years, 37.9% between 35 and 64 years, and 20.6% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 46.1% were men and 53.9% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    6.29%
    Uninsured
    53.8%
    Employer Coverage
    9.26%
    Medicaid
    14.4%
    Medicare
    15.4%
    Non-Group
    0.951%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in South Portland, ME grew by 9.09% from 5.76% to 6.29%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in South Portland, ME changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Economy

    The economy of South Portland, ME employs 16.3k people. In 2024, the largest industries in South Portland, ME were Health Care & Social Assistance (2,752 people), Retail Trade (2,229 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (1,518 people), and the highest paying industries were Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($98,936), Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($90,632), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($78,267).

    Employment

    Occupations

    16.3k
    2024 Value
    ± 1,034
    0.697%
    1 Year growth
    ± 8.98%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in South Portland, ME grew at a rate of 0.697%, from 16.2k employees to 16.3k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in South Portland, ME, are Management Occupations (1,868 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,496 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (1,373 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of South Portland, ME.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Maine.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Maine (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    16.3k
    2024 Value
    ± 1,034
    0.697%
    1 Year growth
    ± 8.98%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in South Portland, ME grew at a rate of 0.697%, from 16.2k employees to 16.3k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in South Portland, ME, are Health Care & Social Assistance (2,752 people), Retail Trade (2,229 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (1,518 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of South Portland, ME, though some of these residents may live in South Portland, ME and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $54,485
    Median earning men ± $6,535
    $46,166
    Median earning women ± $3,690

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($135,707), Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($86,202), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($85,481).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Information ($76,333), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($75,500), and Construction ($69,429).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Maine.
    Y-Axis
    1.54%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 627k people employed in Maine. This represents a 1.54% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 14.4%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Maine.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Maine went to Kamala Harris with 52.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (45.5%), followed by Jill Stein (1.08%).

    Susan Collins and Angus King are the senators currently representing the state of Maine. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Maine is currently represented by 2 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for South Portland, ME. Showing the available data for Maine.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Kamala Harris (52.4%)
      Democratic Party
    2. Donald J. Trump (45.5%)
      Republican Party
    3. Jill Stein (1.08%)
      Green Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Maine went to Kamala Harris with 52.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (45.5%), followed by Jill Stein (1.08%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in Maine for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from Maine

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Maine.
    Susan Collins
    Senator from Maine2
    Assumed office on January 3, 1997
    Angus King
    Senator from Maine1
    Assumed office on January 3, 2013
    Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont join meetings of the Senate Democratic Caucus.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2012/11/14/165149633/maine-independent-angus-king-to-caucus-with-senate-democrats |title=Maine Independent Angus King to Caucus with Senate Democrats |publisher=National Public Radio |first=Padmananda |last=Rama |date=November 14, 2012 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |quote=Angus King of Maine, who cruised to victory last week running as an independent, said Wednesday that he will caucus with Senate Democrats... The Senate's other independent, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, also caucuses with the Democrats.}}

    Susan Collins and Angus King are the senators currently representing Maine.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Maine over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in South Portland, ME awarded 862 degrees. The student population of South Portland, ME in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 3,381 male students and 4,519 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in South Portland, ME are White (670 and 78.8%), Black or African American (80 and 9.41%), Hispanic or Latino (35 and 4.12%), and Two or More Races (30 and 3.53%).

    The largest universities in South Portland, ME by number of degrees awarded are Southern Maine Community College (862 and 100%).

    The most popular majors in South Portland, ME are Liberal Arts & Sciences (127 and 14.7%), General Business Administration & Management (94 and 10.9%), and Registered Nursing (86 and 9.98%).

    The median tuition cost for a public four year colleges is $13,356 for in-state students and $13,356 for out-of-state students.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    In 2024 there were 7,900 students enrolled in South Portland, ME, 42.8% men and 57.2% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 5,822 records, of which 57.5% were women and 42.5% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. Liberal Arts & Sciences
      127 degrees awarded
    2. General Business Administration & Management
      94 degrees awarded
    3. Registered Nursing
      86 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in South Portland, ME was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 127 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in South Portland, ME according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Southern Maine Community College
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    862 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Southern Maine Community College with 862 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    In 2024, 431 men were awarded degrees from institutions in South Portland, ME, which is 1 times more than the 431 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 670 degrees mean that there were 8.38 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 80 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Public, 2-year ($2,880) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Public, 2-year ($1,276) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Public, 2-year ($1,400) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in South Portland, ME was $441,200 in 2024, which is 1.33 times larger than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $405,800 to $441,200, a 8.72% increase. The homeownership rate in South Portland, ME is 58.1%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in South Portland, ME have an average commute time of 17.1 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in South Portland, ME is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    Housing

    Property

    $441,200
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$16,572
    $7,063
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$546

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In South Portland, ME the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in South Portland, ME compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    58.1%
    Homeownership
    2024
    64%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 58.1% of the housing units in South Portland, ME were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 60.3%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in South Portland, ME compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $86,838
    Median Household Income
    ± $7,384
    12.2k
    Number of Households
    ± 818

    In 2024, the median household income of the 12.2k households in South Portland, ME grew to $86,838 from the previous year's value of $84,563.

    The following chart displays the households in South Portland, ME distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for South Portland, ME is from Maine.
    0.439
    2024 Wage GINI in Maine
    0.439
    2023 Wage GINI in Maine

    In 2024, the income inequality in Maine was 0.439 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.15% growth from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for Maine was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Maine in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Maine across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (65.5%)
    2. Worked At Home (19.5%)
    3. Carpooled (5.97%)

    In 2024, 65.5% of workers in South Portland, ME drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (19.5%) and those who carpooled to work (5.97%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    17.1 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in South Portland, ME have a shorter commute time (17.1 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.01% of the workforce in South Portland, ME have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in South Portland, ME compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in South Portland, ME distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in South Portland, ME have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Poverty & Diversity

    6.94% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in South Portland, ME (1.83k out of 26.3k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 75+, followed by Females 55 - 64 and then Males 25 - 34.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in South Portland, ME is White, followed by Black and Two Or More.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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