Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Portland

Affordability in Portland, OR

Portland's median asking rent is $1,655 per month and the median household income is $90,919 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). Nearly half of Portland residents -- 48% -- rent their homes, reflecting strong demand for affordable options across the city.

The 85 HUD-assisted and income-restricted properties tracked on Lease Lantern represent 4,328 units where rents are tied to income limits rather than the open market, which can make a meaningful difference for renters priced out of Portland's private rental market.

Safety

According to the Portland Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer figures, Portland had a violent crime rate of 732 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Portland

The area around assisted properties in Portland scores well for walkability, transit, and biking, according to Walk Score. Note that scores reflect conditions near the assisted properties tracked on this site, not the city as a whole.

• Walk Score: 80 -- Very Walkable
• Transit Score: 58 -- Good Transit
• Bike Score: 99

Schools

Portland is served by 153 public schools across 11 districts -- including 105 elementary, 25 middle, and 23 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a housing decision.

Cost of Renting in Portland, OR

The median household income in Portland is $90,919 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The citywide median rent is $1,655 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), which can put market-rate housing out of reach for lower-income renters -- making income-restricted units a critical resource.

• Median household income: $90,919/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,655/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renters in Portland: 48% of households (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Income-restricted units tracked on Lease Lantern: 4,328 across 85 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties

Rents at HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties are set based on area median income limits, not market conditions, which can mean significant savings compared to the citywide median.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

Flood risk is low across Portland's HUD-assisted properties. All 85 properties have been mapped for flood exposure, and only 1 carries a high-risk flood designation.