A demographic shift is underway in Portland, where the number of residents born in Maine has plummeted by almost a third in the last 25 years.
Portland’s picturesque scenery, low crime rate and community feel have all been credited for the influx.
But the city’s changing composition has raised fears it could lose some of the charm which has lured in so many from across state lines.
As of 2024, just 40 percent of the city’s population was Maine-born, per the latest American Community Survey. The figure is down from 59 percent in 2000.
By comparison in New York City, which is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse cities in the world, 48 percent of residents were born in New York state.
If the trend in Portland continues at the same rate, there would theoretically be no Mainers living there by 2050, although experts do not believe the pattern will continue unchecked.
Beth Tanenhaus Winsten, a filmmaker who moved from Michigan, told the Portland Press Herald that she came to Portland because ‘it had community and beauty and kind people.’
As of 2024, just 40 percent of Portland’s population was Maine-born, which represents a drop of nearly a third since 2000 (Pictured: People walk down a street in the Old Port district)
Beth Tanenhaus Winsten from Michigan is among those who have adopted Portland, Maine as their new home
She was among the 126,000 people from out of state who moved to Maine from 2020 to August 2025, according to the outlet’s analysis of driver’s license conversion data.
The decline of native Mainers in Portland, which has been decades in the making, only accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic as people in large cities relocated once they had the ability to work from home.
The influx of transplants along with slim housing supply drove up the city’s house prices which have only just begun to level out, according to data from Redfin.
Currently the median cost of a home in Portland is $594,000, about 38 percent higher than the national average.
The real estate boom has also priced out locals, with almost 83 percent of Mainers unable to afford a typical home in the state, according to a 2026 analysis by the National Association of Home Builders.
Despite this, Portland still has the benefit of being far less expensive than other New England coastal towns that also have working harbors and scenic rocky shorelines.
A similar property in Gloucester, Massachusetts, would be closer to $740,000.
Many are also attracted to Portland’s lively culinary and performing arts scene, which has seen it dubbed the state’s cultural center.
Clare Considine is born in Maine and recently returned. She said she is a ‘novelty’ among her friends but has no concerns about the changing demographic
Portland, a picturesque coastal city, is widely considered the cultural center of the state thanks to its lively culinary and performing arts scene
It is also renowned for its museums and cultural landmarks, including the Victoria Mansion.
Loretta Lees, an urbanist and faculty director of the Initiative on Cities at Boston University, told the Portland Press Herald that the city’s strong identity within New England is likely what is drawing new residents.
‘The hope is that they would take part in that,’ she said.
Additionally, Portland has low crime and is generally viewed as a safe place to settle.
FBI data shows Portland recorded about 2.7 violent crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, 25 percent below the national average. Portland does, however, struggle with elevated property crime, including shoplifting and car break-ins.
Despite the changing demographics many native Mainers said they don’t feel threatened by out-of-state newcomers, as they still recognize the unique character of the city they call home.
Clare Considine, who was born in Maine but left for college in California, has recently returned to Portland after a stint in New York.
She said she is ‘kind of a novelty’ among her transplant friends but is happy she made the decision to return.
‘I love it here,’ she told the Portland Press Herald.
