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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Portland

Portland, ME has 64 affordable and income-based rental properties totaling 3,628 units -- a meaningful supply for a city where the majority of households rent and the median market rent runs $1,577 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Of the properties with inspected condition scores, all 17 rated either good or excellent, with no fair or poor results. That track record makes Portland a relatively strong market for renters seeking quality income-based housing.

64
Properties
3,628
Total units
88/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,577/mo

Affordability in Portland, ME

Portland's median household income is $79,540 and the median monthly rent is $1,577, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 53% of residents renting, demand for affordable housing options is significant across the city.

Lease Lantern tracks 18 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 1,384 units in Portland, offering an important resource for renters seeking housing within their budget.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
273 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Portland Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and methodology.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 82 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Portland

The area around assisted properties in Portland scores well for walking and biking, with moderate public transit options, according to Walk Score. Scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing locations.

  • Walk Score: 82 - Very Walkable - Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 38 - Some Transit - A few transit options are available.
  • Bike Score: 83 - Biking is a convenient option for many trips.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
16 schools · 2 districts

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 16 public schools across 2 districts serve Portland, including 8 elementary, 3 middle, 4 high schools, and 1 other. Quality varies by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for their specific address before making a decision.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$79,540 median income

Cost of Living in Portland, ME

The median household income in Portland is $79,540 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median asking rent across all Portland rentals is $1,577 per month, which can put standard market housing out of reach for lower-income renters -- making income-restricted options especially valuable here.

The 18 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Portland offer 1,384 total units at rents tied to your income, not the open market.

  • Median household income: $79,540/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,577/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Share of households who rent: 53% (Census ACS 5-Year)
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 18 assisted properties in Portland were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood zone data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 88/100(17 of 64 scored)
90+ (9)70–89 (8)No score (47)

64 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 64 affordable apartments in Portland→

Other cities in ME

› Affordable housing in Auburn› Augusta income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Bangor› Bath affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Belfast› Affordable housing in Biddeford› Boothbay Harbor income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Brunswick› Caribou affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Lewiston› Affordable housing in Machias› Old Town income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in ME› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Portland, ME

Portland is Maine's largest city and a majority-renter community, with 53 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The city's median asking rent of $1,577 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) makes affordable and income-based housing an important resource for many residents.

Lease Lantern tracks 18 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Portland, totaling 1,384 units. Of the 17 properties with inspection scores on record, 9 rated excellent and 8 rated good -- with no properties falling into fair or poor categories.

None of the 18 mapped properties carry a high flood-risk designation, which is a reassuring baseline for renters weighing long-term stability.

Portland scores an 82 (Very Walkable) and 83 for bikeability according to Walk Score, making it one of the more accessible smaller cities in New England for residents without a car. Transit scores 38 (Some Transit), so commuters relying heavily on buses should research specific routes near any property they consider.

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024), Portland Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 residents -- a figure worth keeping in context as you research individual neighborhoods.

Portland is served by 16 public schools across 2 districts, including 8 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Maine income limits (2026)Maine public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Maine

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →