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Portland Publick

An independent guide to city government in Portland, Maine

Housing

New homes permitted, home values and rents, and the housing stock, from federal data.

Checked . Each source updates once or twice a year.

New homes permitted

Homes approved for construction each year by building permit, counted in housing units: a duplex is two. Some permitted homes are never built, and others take years to finish.

YearHomesIn buildings of 5+
2025423374
202412793
2023150104
2022721694
2021283247
202010246
2019385345
20187841
2017427
2016150107

So far in 2026, through Aug 2026: 703 homes.

Cities and towns report permits to the Census Bureau monthly or once a year. For months without a report, the Bureau estimates the count; those years are marked "partly estimated". Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey.

Home values and rents

From the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, which samples households over five years (2020–2024). Each Portland figure has a margin of error (±) because it comes from a sample.

MeasurePortlandMaine
Median home value$489,600±$13,489$296,600
Median rent, per month$1,577±$35$1,139
Renters paying 30% or more of income on rent51.3%±3.948.4%
Renters paying 50% or more22.1%±3.121.8%

Home value is what owners estimate their home would sell for. Rent is gross rent, including utilities the renter pays. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year, via Census Reporter.

Housing stock

Homes in Portland by who lives in them, 2020–2024.

HomesNumberShare
Lived in by the owner15,44542%
Rented17,52048%
Vacant3,59410%
of which seasonal or vacation homes1,8885%
All homes36,559100%

Estimates from the American Community Survey. Source: U.S. Census Bureau via Census Reporter.