Houston, Texas and Portland, Oregon, are two distinct cities with different geographic, cultural, and socio-economic landscapes. Houston, known for its robust economy, diverse culture, and warm weather, is the most populous city in Texas. On the other, Portland, lauded for its eco-friendly community, craft beers and coffee culture, and liberal views, is the largest city in Oregon. This detailed comparison guide will explore the intricacies of living or visiting in each of the cities.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Portland, OR : 1,831.4 miles
Houston's population is larger by 257%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.
Both Houston and Portland have crime rates that are higher than the national average. In Houston, you'll find areas of both high and low crime, much like any large city. Houston PD has been working to lower the crime rate, but be aware of your surroundings and familiarize yourself with safer neighborhoods. Portland's crime rate is slightly lower than Houston's, mainly consisting of property crime. The city police are active in maintaining safety, and various neighborhoods have community watch programs.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 7,854 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 375 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Portland is 1,706 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Houston than that in Portland.
Cost of Living
Living in Houston is relatively more affordable. You'll find lower costs for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and health care in Houston compared to Portland. Portland residents often pay a premium for the eco-friendly city, with a cost of living significantly above the national average.
Income Tax
Texas does not impose any state income tax, which is a significant advantage for Houston residents. On the contrary, Oregon has a progressive state income tax, which is pertinent for Portland dwellers.
Property Tax
Both Houston and Portland have high property taxes compared to the national average. Houston's property taxes are known to be high, with the rate being one of the highest among large U.S. cities. Portland’s rates aren’t much friendlier, giving both states an overall high-tax reputation.
Sales Tax
Texas, which includes Houston, does not have a state income tax but has a relatively high sales tax, and Portland, despite having no sales tax has a high income tax. This can dramatically affect your cost of living depending on your spending and income habits.
Income
Type
Houston
Portland
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $54,784 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is a coastal city located near the Gulf of Mexico, with a low elevation. It's flat and prone to flooding. Portland, on the other hand, lies in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. It's renowned for its beautiful parks, bridges, and bicycle paths.
Both Houston and Portland offer quality education through numerous public and private schools. Houston houses notable universities such as Rice University and the University of Houston. Portland, on the other hand, is home to institutions like Portland State University and Reed College. Both cities cater well to families seeking quality education for their children.
Houston's economy is diverse, with strengths in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. Houston is home to many Fortune 500 companies giving it a strong work market. Portland's economy is powered by the technology industry, with numerous tech companies and startups calling it home. Additionally, sportswear companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear provide significant employment.
Biggest Employers
In Houston, some of the top employers are Memorial Hermann Health System, University of Texas, and ExxonMobil. Portland's biggest employers include Intel, Providence Health Services, and Oregon Health & Science University.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
2020
56.0%
79.2%
42.7%
17.9%
1.3%
2.9%
2016
54.0%
73.3%
41.6%
17.0%
4.4%
9.7%
2012
49.4%
75.4%
49.3%
20.6%
1.3%
4.0%
2008
50.5%
76.7%
48.9%
20.6%
0.6%
2.7%
2004
44.6%
71.6%
54.9%
27.1%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
43.0%
63.8%
54.4%
28.3%
2.6%
7.9%
1996
45.2%
59.2%
49.2%
26.3%
5.6%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
15.2%
3.6%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
0.5%
26.8%
3.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.3%
1.6%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.7%
1.4%
2.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.5%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.9%
1.1%
4.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.9%
1.7%
3.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.8%
0.1%
2.7%
Weather
Houston is known for its humid subtropical climate - hot, humid summers, and mild winters. Tornadoes and hurricanes can also occur. In contrast, Portland offers a moderate oceanic climate, known for its cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Snowfall in Portland is rare, making harsh winters unlikely.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Portland
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
20%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
Houston
Portland
2018
102
79
0.19
0.26
9.2
8.8
21.5
21.4
N/A
N/A
10.0
7.2
0.3
0.4
2017
96
93
0.16
0.26
9.4
8.7
23.1
22.6
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.1
0.3
0.4
2016
91
72
0.16
0.25
10.4
8.7
22.7
20.8
N/A
N/A
8.6
5.2
0.2
0.2
2015
109
91
0.15
0.28
10.1
9.2
21.7
20.1
N/A
N/A
9.9
7.4
0.2
0.5
2014
98
91
0.24
0.24
10.4
8.5
21.8
21.0
N/A
N/A
10.2
6.3
0.3
0.8
2013
106
85
0.25
0.29
11.1
9.6
23.0
17.9
N/A
N/A
10.6
8.6
0.4
1.1
2012
115
78
0.25
0.30
11.6
9.1
23.8
21.0
N/A
N/A
11.1
7.4
0.5
0.6
2011
118
89
0.27
0.34
10.8
9.4
24.6
18.5
N/A
N/A
11.5
8.1
0.8
0.8
2010
110
80
0.25
0.33
12.8
9.1
22.8
19.4
N/A
N/A
11.4
6.4
1.1
1.4
2009
115
95
0.21
0.32
10.5
10.2
22.1
20.0
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.4
1.0
1.6
2008
105
101
0.30
0.34
13.1
10.9
22.1
19.2
0.006
N/A
12.4
8.8
1.3
1.0
2007
119
101
0.31
0.35
15.2
11.4
20.5
18.1
0.006
N/A
13.5
8.8
1.9
1.3
2006
134
106
0.32
N/A
14.6
N/A
22.3
N/A
0.006
N/A
13.0
7.8
2.3
1.5
2005
126
96
0.42
N/A
16.3
N/A
22.8
N/A
0.005
N/A
13.9
8.9
3.5
1.7
2004
137
92
0.44
N/A
17.7
N/A
20.4
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
9.8
3.2
N/A
2003
146
77
0.62
N/A
17.0
N/A
20.9
N/A
0.009
0.008
N/A
8.6
3.2
N/A
2002
128
68
0.55
N/A
16.1
N/A
19.7
N/A
0.007
0.010
N/A
8.4
1.7
N/A
2001
147
73
0.44
N/A
18.4
N/A
19.6
N/A
0.008
0.008
N/A
8.9
2.5
N/A
2000
136
52
0.50
N/A
17.0
N/A
22.0
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
9%
Transportation
Houston is car-dependent with an expanding Metro Rail network. It's also served by George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Portland is more public-transit-focused with extensive bus and light rail systems. The city is also highly bikeable, and Portland International Airport provides domestic and international flights.
Transport
Type
Houston
Portland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Portland
Bicycle
0.5%
3.1%
Bus
2.4%
4.6%
Carpooled
11.1%
9.4%
Car alone
81.2%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0.9%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Portland
Average
32 min
28.8 min
Other means
27.1 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
38.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Portland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston has a more favorable real-estate market with a variety of affordable condos, town-homes, and houses for both buyers and renters. In contrast, the real-estate market in Portland is higher, with a median home cost much greater than the national average.
Neighborhoods
Houston offers a variety of neighborhoods, from the cozy, family-friendly West University Place to the bustling Midtown for young professionals. Portland is known for its eclectic neighborhoods such as the artsy Alberta Arts District and the hip Pearl District, offering plenty of charm and character.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Portland
Houses
1,028,763
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Median year apartment built
1985
1976
Median year house/condo built
1976
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,917
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$520,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$466,898
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$136,996
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$50,694
$126,313
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$416,951
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$544,799
Median house age
40
56
Renting percentage
54.6%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
2,259.4
House value disparities
40.9%
23.1%
Household income disparities
49%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$72,663
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
12,832 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Portland
One, detached
43.2%
53.3%
One, attached
4.8%
5.7%
Two
2.2%
3.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.5%
5 to 9
7.1%
4.0%
10 to 19
10.9%
4.7%
20 to 49
7.7%
6.6%
50 or more
18.6%
16.2%
Mobile homes
0.9%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
25,437
State government workers
38,359
15,615
Unpaid family workers
2,429
688
Industries and Occupations
Houston’s key sectors include energy (particularly oil and natural gas), aerospace and aviation, and biomedical research. The city is also a significant corporate center. Portland's economy primarily revolves around technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. A robust independent arts scene also provides creative professions.
Houston has a prominent healthcare sector, hosting the world's largest medical complex, Texas Medical Center. Portland also offers quality healthcare, with national-ranking hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston is spread out with sprawling suburbia and requires a vehicle for easy commuting. The city has plenty of highways, flyovers, and strong medical infrastructure. Portland is comparatively more compact and bike-friendly, with a strong commitment to green living. It has well-developed water, transport, and park infrastructures.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Portland
Hospitals
156
21
TV stations
26
18
Arenas or stadiums
6
3
Bank branches located here
755
208
Bank institutions located here
81
30
Main business address for public companies
197
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Portland
1999
9,163
1,922
2000
0
1,651
2001
0
1,193
2002
0
1,235
2003
8,173
1,844
2004
11,803
2,651
2005
15,127
3,396
2006
16,911
3,510
2007
10,643
3,008
2008
4,410
1,465
2009
2,279
712
Culture and Food
Houston is acclaimed for its diverse food scene, thanks to its multicultural population. You'll find excellent BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Seafood eateries. Houston also hosts a thriving theatre scene, art installations, and museums. Meanwhile, Portland is famous for its food trucks, craft beers, and coffee. Also, the city is known for its artsy and eco-conscious environment.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to several professional sports teams. Houston hosts the Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), and Texans (NFL). Portland is home to the Trail Blazers (NBA) and Timbers (MLS), offering a thriving sports community.
Houston, TX
Portland, OR
