Portland, Oregon, has emerged as a significant hub for a specific demographic group, ranking No. 1 in the nation for residents aged 35 to 49, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2023, individuals born between 1974 and 1988 accounted for 24.1% of the city’s population, making Portland the city with the largest share of this age group among U.S. cities with populations surpassing 400,000.
Cities on the West Coast are leading the way in this demographic category, with Oakland, Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco following Portland with shares of 22.1%, 22.1%, 21.8%, and 21.1%, respectively.
This unique group, which encompasses older Millennials and younger Generation Xers, has been informally dubbed the “Portlandia” crowd, referencing the TV comedy series that captured elements of the city’s culture from 2011 to 2018.
Ethan Sharygin, director of the Population Research Center at Portland State University, notes that many in this cohort were drawn to Portland for its affordability, vibrant alternative culture, and appealing urban lifestyle during the 2000s and 2010s.
He explained that Portland was a magnet for young adults seeking a creative economy to thrive in, which helped foster a significant population increase during that period.
The peak of this demographic presence occurred in 2015, when the population of 35- to 49-year-olds in Portland exceeded 170,000, representing just under 27% of the city’s total population. During this time, Portland ranked third nationwide in terms of the proportion of this age group, trailing Oakland and Seattle.
By 2023, however, the number of residents in this demographic had declined to approximately 152,000, amounting to 24.1% of the city’s population. Notably, changes in other cities’ demographics have contributed to Portland’s rise in the rankings, despite its own decrease.
The relatively high representation of 35- to 49-year-olds in Portland is seen positively. Sharygin remarked that this age group typically constitutes the prime working ages, contributing significantly to the economy and taxes, while not heavily relying on social services.
In contrast, the influx of younger residents, particularly those in their twenties, has dwindled in recent years. Sharygin observed that instead of moving to Portland, many young adults are opting for cities like Seattle, Denver, and Austin, Texas.
He emphasized that this trend raises important questions about the future of Portland’s younger demographic. Specifically, what can be done to attract individuals aged 20 to 34 back to the city?
Sharygin outlines some of the challenges that have impacted Portland’s appeal to young professionals recently, noting a lack of a robust university pipeline that could cultivate a workforce ready for the tech industry.
While Portland boasts a healthy economy with significant entities like Nike, its tech sector does not compare favorably to that of similar-sized cities, which raises concerns about long-term sustainability in attracting young talent.
These factors contribute to a broader concern for the city’s future demographic trends. Sharygin questioned how Portland could reverse its current trajectory towards maintaining positive net migration rates.
Ultimately, he believes more must be done to enhance the city’s appeal to younger individuals moving forward.
It seems the allure of Portland may require more than just the charm of its unique cultural assets to entice the next generation of residents.
image source from：oregonlive
