Charlotte, NC vs Portland, OR - Advanced U.S. city comparison tool

Charlotte, NC vs Portland, OR

Charlotte, North Carolina, and Portland, Oregon, are two beautiful U.S cities each with its distinct charm. Both cities educate, engage, entertain, and develop their residents with varying degrees of success. However, they both have stark differences in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, economy, infrastructure, industries, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxation, culture, sporting activities, geographical conditions, and healthcare.
 
 
Distance between Charlotte, NC and Portland, OR : 2,284.4 miles

Charlotte's population is larger by 37%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.

Population
Type Charlotte Portland
Population 879,709 641,162
Female / male percentage 51.8% / 48.2%
51.8%
48.2%
50.4% / 49.6%
50.4%
49.6%
Racial makeup - percentage
Ethnicity CharlottePortland
White Non-Hispanic 39.6% 66.6%
Black 34.4% 5.4%
Hispanic 14.8% 11.4%
Asian 6.5% 8.4%
Two or more 4.1% 6.8%
American Indian 0.1% 0.4%
Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.4%
Racial makeup - absolute values
Ethnicity CharlottePortland
White Non-Hispanic 348,655 427,830
Black 302,251 34,384
Hispanic 130,550 73,526
Asian 57,386 53,691
Two or more 35,858 43,827
American Indian 859 2,788
Pacific Islander 97 2,286

Crime and Safety

Charlotte has a higher crime rate than the national average, but it fluctuates widely by neighborhood. Non-violent crimes like theft are common, however, violent crimes are lower. In contrast, Portland's crime rate is similar to the national average, with property crimes being more common than violent crime. Both cities have strong police forces, but Portland has been known for civil unrest and protests, which could affect safety perception.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Portland is higher than in Charlotte. This difference can be majorly attributed to the cost of housing. Grocery, transportation, and healthcare costs are also higher in Portland compared to Charlotte.

Income Tax

North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. Oregon's income tax is progressive, with rates from 4.75% up to 9.9%, making it one of the highest in the country.

Property Tax

In Charlotte, the average property tax rate is 1.31%, which is slightly below the national average. Portland's average property tax rate, at around 1.13%, is also below the national average but higher than many other places in Oregon due to additional local levies.

Sales Tax

North Carolina's state sales tax is 4.75% and Charlotte's county tax adds a further 2.25%, making a total of 7%. Oregon has no sales tax, so Portland residents enjoy tax-free shopping.
Income
Type Charlotte Portland
Estimated median household income $70,869 $79,057
Estimated per capita income $44,593 $49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) 93.2 106.5

If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $57,135 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.

Geographical Conditions

Both cities are beautifully appointed with natural scenery. Charlotte is in the heart of the southeast and near the Appalachian Mountains, while Portland is nestled in the Pacific Northwest, close to the Pacific Ocean, and surrounded by mountain ranges.
Geographical information
Type Charlotte Portland
Land area 242.3 sq. miles 134.3 sq. miles
Population density 3,631.1 people per sq. mile 4,773.4 people per sq. mile
Elevation 850 feet 50 feet
Relative area comparison
Charlotte, NC Portland, OR
First ancestry reported - percentage
Ancestry CharlottePortland
English 3.7% 5.8%
German 3.0% 6.9%
Irish 2.9% 4.8%
Italian 1.7% 2.1%
Scotch-Irish 1.6% 0.8%
Scottish 0.8% 1.3%
Polish 0.6% 1.1%
Greek 0.5% 0.4%
Ukrainian 0.3% 1.1%
French 0.3% 0.6%
Russian 0.3% 1.5%
Arab 0.2% 0.1%
Norwegian 0.2% 1.5%
French Canadian 0.2% 0.5%
Dutch 0.2% 0.8%
Welsh 0.2% 0.2%
Czech 0.1% 0.2%
Swedish 0.1% 0.9%
Danish 0.1% 0.4%
Swiss 0.0% 0.2%
Population origin - absolute values
Ancestry CharlottePortland
English 20,052 17,180
German 16,343 20,316
Irish 15,520 14,108
Italian 8,985 6,173
Scotch-Irish 8,506 2,290
Scottish 4,501 3,719
Polish 3,219 3,121
Greek 2,536 1,119
Ukrainian 1,653 3,168
French 1,472 1,648
Russian 1,444 4,547
Arab 1,236 440
Dutch 1,206 2,298
Welsh 981 657
French Canadian 932 1,334
Norwegian 871 4,491
West Indian 869 14
Swedish 698 2,743
Portuguese 611 350
Hungarian 589 587
Foreign born residents - absolute values
Type Count
Region CharlottePortland
All 153,766 84,598
Africa 18,825 5,680
Asia 46,818 38,734
Europe 11,896 16,276
Latin America 72,576 17,770
North America 2,117 3,109
Oceania 216 2,332
Foreign born residents - percentage
Type Percentage
Region CharlottePortland
All 17.4% 13.2%
Africa 2.1% 0.9%
Asia 5.3% 6.0%
Europe 1.3% 2.5%
Latin America 8.2% 2.8%
North America 0.2% 0.5%
Oceania 0.0% 0.4%

Education

Both cities value education but have different strengths. Charlotte is home to many universities with strong business and healthcare programs, while Portland's educational strengths lie within liberal arts and sustainability programs. Both Charlotte and Portland have good public school systems though Portland's system is considered more progressive.
School enrollment
Type Charlotte Portland
Nursery, preschool 10,625 (5.1%) 5,642 (4.4%)
Kindergarten 11,309 (5.4%) 5,572 (4.4%)
Grade 1 to 4 44,753 (21.5%) 26,106 (20.5%)
Grade 5 to 8 40,086 (19.2%) 24,017 (18.8%)
Grade 9 to 12 44,565 (21.4%) 22,286 (17.5%)
College undergrad 42,468 (20.4%) 32,232 (25.3%)
Graduate or professional 14,664 (7%) 11,567 (9.1%)
Students in private schools - absolute values
Type Count
Grade CharlottePortland
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 14,078 7,146
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 4,801 2,342
Undergraduate colleges 7,904 8,610
Students in private schools - percentage
Type Percentage
Grade CharlottePortland
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 16.6% 14.3%
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 10.8% 10.5%
Undergraduate colleges 18.6% 26.7%
Educational attainment
Type Charlotte Portland
Less than high school 9.9% 6.7%
High school or equiv. 16.9% 13.7%
Less than 1 year of college 4.3% 5.5%
1 or more years of college 13% 13.1%
Associate degree 7.1% 6.6%
Bachelor's degree 31.1% 32.4%
Master's degree 13.5% 14%
Profess. school degree 3% 4.6%
Doctorate degree 1.3% 3.4%
Education level (25-year-olds and older)
Type Charlotte Portland
Bachelor's degree or higher 48.8% 54.3%
Graduate or professional degree 17.8% 21.9%
High school or higher 90.1% 93.3%

Work and Economy

Both cities have diverse economies, but Charlotte is known as a major banking center, second only to New York City in terms of assets. Portland, on the other hand, has a strong economy driven by manufacturing and technology, with a growing focus on green and sustainable industries.

Biggest Employers

Charlotte's biggest employers are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Atrium Health. Portland's largest employers are Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Oregon Health & Science University.
Employment and residency - absolute values
Kind CharlottePortland
Work and live in this city 230,558 200,158
Work and live in this county 422,392 294,789
Workers who work outside the city they live in 310,270 328,963
Workers who work outside the county they live in 47,321 57,602
Working at home 162,470 122,913
Not working at home 307,243 229,478
Daytime population change due to commuting 114,655 121,743
Employment and residency - percentage
Kind CharlottePortland
Work and live in this city 82.2% 73.9%
Work and live in this county 89.9% 83.7%
Workers who work outside the city they live in 17.8% 26.1%
Workers who work outside the county they live in 10.1% 16.3%
Working at home 34.6% 34.9%
Not working at home 65.4% 65.1%
Daytime population change due to commuting 21.2% 23.0%
Geographical mobility: all
Type all
Mobility CharlottePortland
Same house 1 year ago 82.2% 81.6%
Moved from abroad 0.9% 0.5%
Moved within same county 10.3% 10.2%
Moved from different state 4.1% 4.7%
Moved within same state 2.5% 3.1%
Geographical mobility: Asian
Type Asian
Mobility CharlottePortland
Same house 1 year ago 81.2% 86.0%
Moved from abroad 1.8% 0.7%
Moved within same county 10.3% 6.9%
Moved from different state 4.3% 3.0%
Moved within same state 2.4% 3.3%
Geographical mobility: Black
Type Black
Mobility CharlottePortland
Same house 1 year ago 84.5% 76.0%
Moved from abroad 0.4% 0.9%
Moved within same county 9.4% 12.8%
Moved from different state 3.2% 7.6%
Moved within same state 2.5% 2.8%
Geographical mobility: White
Type White
Mobility CharlottePortland
Same house 1 year ago 82.2% 80.9%
Moved from abroad 0.2% 0.2%
Moved within same county 9.6% 10.9%
Moved from different state 4.9% 5.0%
Moved within same state 3.1% 2.8%

In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.

Elections
Type DemocratsRepublicansOther
Year CharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortland
2020 66.8% 79.2% 31.6% 17.9% 1.6% 2.9%
2016 62.3% 73.3% 32.9% 17.0% 4.8% 9.7%
2012 60.8% 75.4% 38.3% 20.6% 0.9% 4.0%
2008 62.0% 76.7% 37.6% 20.6% 0.5% 2.7%
2004 51.7% 71.6% 48.0% 27.1% 0.3% 1.3%
2000 48.4% 63.8% 51.1% 28.3% 0.5% 7.9%
1996 48.6% 59.2% 45.9% 26.3% 5.5% 14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type AdherentsCongregations
Religion CharlottePortlandCharlottePortland
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 9.0% 0.5% 19.0% 3.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH 8.5% 15.2% 1.8% 6.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA 2.3% 0.8% 1.1% 2.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1.2% 0.7% 1.3% 2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 0.9% 0.9% 1.8% 4.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 0.6% 0.0% 1.9% 0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 0.5% 0.9% 1.5% 3.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH 0.3% 0.4% 0.9% 2.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE 0.3% 0.3% 1.2% 1.0%

Weather

Charlotte experiences a moderate climate with four unmistakable seasons including mild winters and hot, humid summers. Portland, however, has a more temperate climate with milder summers and cool, wet winters. You'll enjoy more rainy days in Portland than in Charlotte.
Weather and climate
Type Charlotte Portland
Temperature - Average 61°F 53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity 72.3% 76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity 41% 42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 87% 86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 46% 44%
Precipitation - Yearly average 44.5 in 41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average 10.2 in 12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds 18.1% 11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average 69.8% 54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year 14% 52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly 70% 72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly 56% 20%
Wind speed - Average 6.9 mph 8.1 mph

Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Average climate in Portland, Oregon

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Air pollution
Type AQICONO2OZONEPBPM10PM25SO2
Year CharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlotte CharlottePortlandCharlottePortland
2018 75 79 0.24 0.26 6.3 8.8 27.8 21.4 N/A N/A 15.5 N/A 8.2 7.2 0.2 0.4
2017 77 93 0.25 0.26 7.0 8.7 28.0 22.6 N/A N/A 16.3 N/A 8.8 7.1 0.2 0.4
2016 82 72 0.25 0.25 7.6 8.7 28.7 20.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.4 5.2 0.2 0.2
2015 76 91 0.25 0.28 8.1 9.2 27.6 20.1 N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.6 7.4 0.2 0.5
2014 76 91 0.26 0.24 8.5 8.5 26.3 21.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.3 6.3 0.3 0.8
2013 71 85 0.29 0.29 8.4 9.6 25.5 17.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.6 8.6 0.3 1.1
2012 95 78 0.28 0.30 8.7 9.1 27.3 21.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.7 7.4 0.3 0.6
2011 94 89 0.34 0.34 10.1 9.4 28.9 18.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A 11.2 8.1 0.6 0.8
2010 97 80 0.33 0.33 11.8 9.1 28.0 19.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A 11.6 6.4 1.0 1.4
2009 82 95 0.30 0.32 10.0 10.2 25.4 20.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A 11.1 8.4 0.9 1.6
2008 102 101 0.32 0.34 11.2 10.9 27.6 19.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A 13.0 8.8 2.1 1.0
2007 108 101 0.37 0.35 13.9 11.4 29.1 18.1 0.001 N/A N/A N/A 14.5 8.8 3.0 1.3
2006 107 106 0.44 N/A 13.9 N/A 27.3 N/A 0.000 N/A N/A N/A 14.8 7.8 3.3 1.5
2005 109 96 0.53 N/A 14.6 N/A 30.6 N/A 0.000 N/A N/A N/A 15.2 8.9 2.7 1.7
2004 89 92 0.53 N/A 14.6 N/A 28.9 N/A 0.001 N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.8 2.8 N/A
2003 85 77 0.57 N/A 15.6 N/A 27.6 N/A 0.003 0.008 N/A N/A N/A 8.6 3.0 N/A
2002 103 68 0.63 N/A 15.3 N/A 32.6 N/A 0.003 0.010 N/A N/A N/A 8.4 2.7 N/A
2001 108 73 0.72 N/A 17.5 N/A 32.3 N/A 0.005 0.008 N/A N/A N/A 8.9 3.9 N/A
2000 107 52 0.79 N/A 18.0 N/A 32.6 N/A 0.014 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.4 N/A
Natural disasters
Type Charlotte Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average 111.5% 8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average 79% 1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average 9% 9%

Transportation

Portland is renowned for its well-functioning public transit system with buses, light rail, and streetcars, while Charlotte relies more on cars due to its dispersed layout but does have a growing light rail system. Portland also ranks high for its biking infrastructure, earning it the status of a 'bicycle-friendly' city.
Transport
Type Charlotte Portland
Amtrak stations 1 1
Amtrak stations nearby 2 3
FAA registered aircraft 439 804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers 12 6
Means of transportation to work
Type Charlotte Portland
Bicycle 0.1% 3.1%
Bus 1.2% 4.6%
Carpooled 8.7% 9.4%
Car alone 86.2% 76.2%
Motorcycle 0.1% 0.2%
Railroad 0.4% 0.9%
Streetcar 0% 0.3%
Taxicab 0.2% 0.1%
Walked 1.5% 3.8%
Means of transportation to work
Means of transportation to work
Average travel time to work
Type Charlotte Portland
Average 29.6 min 28.8 min
Other means 24.9 min 21.8 min
Public transportation 44.1 min 38.2 min
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Private vehicle occupancy
Type Charlotte Portland
Average 1.2 1.2
Drove alone 90% 88.2%
In 2 person carpool 6.9% 8.4%
In 3 person carpool 1.8% 1.6%
In 4 person carpool 0.8% 0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool 0.5% 0.6%
In 7+ person carpool 0.1% 0.4%

How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.

Real Estate

Portland's real estate market is more expensive than Charlotte's. However, both cities offer a mix of urban and suburban living options. Charlotte is known for its beautiful, historic neighborhoods, while Portland is famous for its eclectic and diverse neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods

Charlotte neighborhoods offer a diverse range from trendy and upscale to family-friendly suburbs, with SouthPark, Ballantyne, and Myers Park being top choices. In contrast, Portland neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District, Sellwood, and Pearl District are loved for their unique cultural vibes and activities.
Houses and residents
Type Charlotte Portland
Houses 393,631 303,483
Average household size (people) 2.5 2.3
Median year apartment built 1998 1976
Median year house/condo built 1993 1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in 11.8 years 12.1 years
Houses occupied 365,269 (92.8%) 286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners 193,930 (53.1%) 153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters 171,339 (46.9%) 133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units $1,482 $1,917
Median monthly housing costs $1,302 $1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos $445,491 $248,225
Estimated median house or condo value $321,400 $520,200
Median numbers of rooms 5.3 4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments 4 3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos 6.6 6.2
Median house price - detached houses $388,029 $568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures $184,325 $576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures $178,624 $426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures $433,957 $466,898
Median house price - mobile homes $52,977 $136,996
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units $296,370 $416,951
Median house price - All housing units $378,423 $544,799
Median house age 26 56
Renting percentage 42.6% 46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) 1,624.8 2,259.4
House value disparities 33.3% 23.1%
Household income disparities 44.1% 44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage $105,905 $122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage $70,681 $72,663
Housing units without a mortgage 3,089 (2.1%) 2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan 10,553 (7.2%) 11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage 142,912 (97.9%) 108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan 171 (0.1%) 396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage 13,532 (9.3%) 12,832 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) 9 9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago) 1 1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities 0.8% 1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities 0.2% 0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures CharlottePortland
One, detached 52.7% 53.3%
One, attached 9.1% 5.7%
Two 0.9% 3.5%
3 or 4 2.9% 4.5%
5 to 9 7.1% 4.0%
10 to 19 9.5% 4.7%
20 to 49 6.2% 6.6%
50 or more 10.3% 16.2%
Mobile homes 1.4% 1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc. 0.0% 0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Type Charlotte Portland
With mortgages $2,584 (0.8%) $4,785 (0.9%)
With no mortgages $2,522 (0.8%) $5,119 (1%)
Marital status
Type Charlotte Portland
Divorced 9.6% 11.8%
Never married 41.7% 41.9%
Now married 43.1% 41.7%
Separated 2.1% 1.3%
Widowed 3.5% 3.3%
Class of workers - percentage
Class of Workers CharlottePortland
Employee of private company 75.8% 63.6%
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 5.9% 12.9%
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 5.4% 7.1%
Local government workers 4.2% 6.0%
Self-employed in own incorporated business 3.7% 3.8%
State government workers 3.4% 4.4%
Federal government workers 1.3% 2.1%
Unpaid family workers 0.3% 0.2%
Class of workers - absolute values
Class of Workers CharlottePortland
Employee of private company 364,991 228,214
Federal government workers 6,108 7,432
Local government workers 20,212 21,455
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 28,585 46,135
Self-employed in own incorporated business 17,833 13,673
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 25,780 25,437
State government workers 16,519 15,615
Unpaid family workers 1,214 688

Industries and Occupations

Charlotte's main industries are banking, healthcare, and motorsports, whereas Portland has a more diverse economy with strong sectors in technology, manufacturing, and creative services. Both cities offer a wide range of job opportunities but in different industries.
Most common male industries
Industry CharlottePortland
Finance and insurance 13.1% 3.3%
Construction 12.5% 7.2%
Professional, scientific, and technical services 11.2% 16.2%
Retail trade 10.6% 10.7%
Manufacturing 9.3% 11.8%
Transportation and warehousing 8.4% 6.1%
Accommodation and food services 5.5% 5.2%
Other services, except public administration 4.3% 5.4%
Health care and social assistance 4.1% 9.7%
Wholesale trade 3.8% 3.1%
Administrative and support and waste management services 3.7% 3.8%
Educational services 3.4% 6.0%
Information 2.7% 2.8%
Real estate and rental and leasing 2.3% 2.3%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation 1.9% 1.6%
Public administration 1.6% 3.5%
Utilities 1.1% 0.7%
Management of companies and enterprises 0.2% 0.1%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 0.2% 0.0%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 0.2% 0.5%
Most common female industries
Industry CharlottePortland
Health care and social assistance 16.5% 22.2%
Finance and insurance 12.6% 5.2%
Retail trade 10.5% 11.9%
Educational services 10.3% 10.6%
Professional, scientific, and technical services 9.8% 11.7%
Accommodation and food services 6.4% 6.6%
Manufacturing 6.3% 5.1%
Administrative and support and waste management services 5.7% 2.7%
Other services, except public administration 4.3% 6.4%
Transportation and warehousing 3.9% 3.3%
Public administration 3.0% 4.5%
Construction 2.4% 1.8%
Real estate and rental and leasing 2.0% 2.1%
Information 1.8% 1.5%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation 1.8% 2.1%
Wholesale trade 1.8% 1.8%
Utilities 0.7% 0.4%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 0.1% 0.2%
Most common male occupations
Occupation CharlottePortland
Management occupations 15.3% 12.5%
Sales and related occupations 10.5% 7.9%
Business and financial operations occupations 9.3% 6.9%
Construction and extraction occupations 9.3% 5.5%
Computer and mathematical occupations 7.7% 8.5%
Material moving occupations 6.3% 3.9%
Office and administrative support occupations 5.7% 6.3%
Transportation occupations 5.1% 3.8%
Production occupations 4.9% 6.3%
Food preparation and serving related occupations 4.3% 3.8%
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 3.0% 2.7%
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 2.9% 2.9%
Architecture and engineering occupations 2.8% 5.3%
Educational instruction, and library occupations 2.1% 4.2%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations 2.0% 5.4%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations 1.6% 4.4%
Legal occupations 1.3% 1.7%
Community and social service occupations 1.3% 1.2%
Firefighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors 1.0% 1.3%
Personal care and service occupations 1.0% 1.0%
Most common female occupations
Occupation CharlottePortland
Office and administrative support occupations 15.7% 12.3%
Management occupations 12.2% 13.2%
Business and financial operations occupations 10.8% 8.0%
Sales and related occupations 9.7% 9.0%
Educational instruction, and library occupations 7.0% 6.4%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations 4.9% 8.8%
Food preparation and serving related occupations 4.7% 5.2%
Healthcare support occupations 4.3% 4.8%
Computer and mathematical occupations 3.5% 2.9%
Production occupations 3.2% 2.4%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations 2.9% 4.9%
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 2.8% 1.4%
Community and social service occupations 2.8% 3.7%
Personal care and service occupations 2.5% 3.7%
Material moving occupations 2.3% 1.7%
Health technologists and technicians 2.1% 2.6%
Transportation occupations 1.8% 1.2%
Legal occupations 1.6% 2.1%
Architecture and engineering occupations 1.4% 1.8%
Life, physical, and social science occupations 1.2% 2.5%
Food environment data per 10,000 residents
Food environment statistics CharlottePortland
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 2.8 1.3
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 1.0 2.6
Number of full-service restaurants 9.3 14.3
Number of grocery stores 2.1 1.7
Number of supercenters and club stores 0.1 0.2
Food environment - absolute values
Food environment statistics CharlottePortland
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 245 89
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 83 178
Number of full-service restaurants 804 999
Number of grocery stores 185 122
Number of supercenters and club stores 10 16
Obesity and diabetes
Food environment statistics rate CharlottePortland
Adult diabetes rate 7.7% 7.0%
Adult obesity rate 24.2% 23.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate 17.4% 12.9%

Health Care

Both cities are well-served by healthcare facilities. Charlotte's notable institutions include the Carolinas Medical Center and Charlotte Treatment Center, while Portland features Legacy Health, Oregon Health & Science University, and Providence Portland Medical Centers.
Health (county statistics)
Type Charlotte Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) 3.5 3.6
Average weight of females (lbs) 164.8 lbs 162.3 lbs
Average weight of males (lbs) 198.6 lbs 196.6 lbs
Residents visited a dentist within the past year 66.4% 72.4%
Residents exercised in the past month 73.3% 80.5%
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days 48.8% 62.6%
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives 42.2% 42.1%

Fatal vehicle accidents per 100,000 residents
Type Total count per 100,000Drunk per 100,000Fatal count per 100,000Pedestrian count per 100,000Person count per 100,000Vehicle count per 100,000
Year CharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortland
2021 11.4 9.2 0.0 0.0 12.4 10.0 3.4 4.5 26.6 16.8 21.6 14.3
2020 11.0 7.8 4.3 1.7 11.5 8.6 3.3 3.8 24.4 13.9 17.7 10.9
2019 7.8 7.0 1.9 1.8 8.2 7.5 3.3 2.8 18.1 12.5 11.9 10.4
2018 10.1 5.5 4.0 1.8 11.1 5.5 4.2 2.8 23.0 8.6 17.4 8.1
2017 11.4 6.9 4.6 1.9 12.0 7.4 3.7 3.2 26.4 11.1 18.1 9.3
2016 10.2 6.5 3.8 2.0 11.0 6.5 2.8 3.0 21.7 14.9 15.3 9.8
2015 7.9 5.4 2.8 2.7 8.4 5.5 1.9 2.2 21.2 10.6 13.4 8.2
2014 7.4 3.6 2.8 1.3 7.7 3.6 1.5 1.8 16.1 6.3 11.9 4.7
2013 7.2 5.9 3.0 3.1 8.2 6.1 1.6 2.3 19.8 13.3 12.1 8.2
2012 7.6 5.1 3.9 1.8 7.9 5.3 3.4 2.8 15.2 9.3 11.4 7.1
2011 7.5 5.7 2.0 2.4 7.9 5.7 3.6 2.2 18.8 11.3 12.6 10.1
2010 5.7 3.9 2.3 0.9 5.7 4.1 2.6 3.3 13.0 8.6 8.3 6.0
2009 8.0 5.3 3.2 2.8 8.3 5.5 2.3 2.5 21.3 11.3 11.3 6.9
2008 8.5 3.2 3.2 1.3 8.8 3.4 2.7 0.9 18.8 7.0 12.3 4.3
2007 11.0 6.0 4.0 1.8 12.2 6.2 2.4 2.7 27.0 13.0 17.2 7.5
2006 11.3 5.2 4.4 1.5 11.6 5.4 2.7 1.3 28.2 11.7 17.7 8.4
2005 10.1 6.2 4.3 2.6 10.6 6.4 2.2 2.2 29.5 16.1 18.6 10.5
2004 7.6 5.8 3.1 2.6 8.4 6.9 1.8 2.1 22.1 16.3 12.3 8.6
2003 8.5 8.0 3.8 3.2 9.1 8.5 1.8 4.1 21.1 18.0 14.1 10.2
2002 9.8 7.1 3.0 2.8 10.0 7.6 2.4 2.2 29.0 18.6 16.2 11.1
2001 6.9 6.4 2.7 1.9 7.2 6.9 1.9 2.8 15.1 15.1 9.4 9.0
2000 12.4 4.9 4.4 1.9 12.9 5.1 3.1 1.9 36.8 11.9 19.6 7.2
1999 10.2 7.1 4.4 3.2 10.4 7.1 2.3 3.0 26.5 19.7 16.9 11.3
1998 10.6 8.7 2.2 4.4 11.2 9.1 3.0 3.8 32.3 28.2 16.7 14.9
1997 8.7 8.3 2.8 3.4 9.7 9.7 2.2 3.4 23.7 20.5 12.9 11.5
1996 9.9 10.8 4.1 3.6 10.5 11.8 2.7 4.0 27.0 32.9 16.1 16.1
1995 8.5 8.0 1.9 2.4 9.1 8.2 2.3 2.2 26.4 21.7 13.3 12.4
1994 9.7 8.6 3.5 2.4 10.8 9.2 3.0 3.8 24.7 20.1 14.5 10.7
1993 8.2 9.7 3.5 3.6 10.0 9.9 2.4 4.6 21.3 24.3 13.1 13.3
1992 8.6 7.7 2.5 3.2 9.0 8.3 2.3 2.4 22.1 19.0 14.5 9.9
1991 10.3 9.2 3.4 4.3 11.4 9.6 3.4 4.1 28.1 27.9 14.9 14.5
1990 10.9 11.7 3.7 6.4 12.8 12.5 0.0 0.0 30.2 37.5 16.5 18.7
1989 12.6 13.7 4.1 5.1 13.1 14.4 0.0 0.0 34.8 36.2 18.3 22.1
1988 9.0 14.4 3.4 7.1 9.0 15.6 0.0 0.0 29.0 37.8 15.3 21.5
1987 12.4 17.5 6.5 9.6 13.4 18.2 0.0 0.0 37.9 49.2 20.2 27.8
1986 13.7 16.8 5.2 7.3 14.8 20.0 0.0 0.0 34.9 48.3 19.5 27.1
1985 9.0 14.4 2.2 7.0 9.6 14.9 0.0 0.0 26.7 40.0 13.5 22.1
1984 13.2 12.6 6.0 5.8 15.2 13.1 0.0 0.0 39.4 32.1 22.4 18.9
1983 9.7 13.6 3.5 7.2 10.6 14.9 0.0 0.0 25.6 36.0 15.6 19.0
1982 11.2 12.6 4.5 6.8 12.4 13.6 0.0 0.0 31.4 33.0 16.9 19.4
1981 13.6 20.8 1.5 10.4 14.8 21.6 0.0 0.0 43.3 55.7 21.0 31.5
1980 13.9 15.8 4.1 7.1 15.2 16.6 0.0 0.0 35.8 39.9 21.9 21.2
1979 14.3 12.5 4.9 7.9 16.2 12.7 0.0 0.0 42.2 28.7 19.8 16.8
1978 16.0 16.2 2.7 7.3 17.3 17.0 0.0 0.0 49.2 43.7 24.6 23.8
1977 10.9 15.3 0.7 5.7 11.3 17.2 0.0 0.0 34.1 40.4 17.1 21.8
1976 14.0 13.4 0.0 5.6 14.0 13.9 0.0 0.0 34.3 37.5 18.2 19.3
1975 14.4 13.4 0.0 5.6 14.4 13.9 0.0 0.0 35.2 37.4 18.7 19.2

Fatal vehicle accidents
Type Total countDrunkFatal countPedestrian countPerson countVehicle count
Year CharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortlandCharlottePortland
1975 40 50 0 21 40 52 0 0 98 140 52 72
1976 40 50 0 21 40 52 0 0 98 140 52 72
1977 32 57 2 21 33 64 0 0 100 150 50 81
1978 48 60 8 27 52 63 0 0 148 162 74 88
1979 44 46 15 29 50 47 0 0 130 106 61 62
1980 44 58 13 26 48 61 0 0 113 147 69 78
1981 44 78 5 39 48 81 0 0 140 209 68 118
1982 37 48 15 26 41 52 0 0 104 126 56 74
1983 33 53 12 28 36 58 0 0 87 140 53 74
1984 46 50 21 23 53 52 0 0 137 127 78 75
1985 32 58 8 28 34 60 0 0 95 161 48 89
1986 50 69 19 30 54 82 0 0 127 198 71 111
1987 46 73 24 40 50 76 0 0 141 205 75 116
1988 34 61 13 30 34 66 0 0 110 160 58 91
1989 49 59 16 22 51 62 0 0 135 156 71 95
1990 47 57 16 31 55 61 0 0 130 183 71 91
1991 45 45 15 21 50 47 15 20 123 137 65 71
1992 38 38 11 16 40 41 10 12 98 94 64 49
1993 37 48 16 18 45 49 11 23 96 121 59 66
1994 45 43 16 12 50 46 14 19 114 100 67 53
1995 40 40 9 12 43 41 11 11 125 108 63 62
1996 48 54 20 18 51 59 13 20 131 165 78 81
1997 43 42 14 17 48 49 11 17 118 103 64 58
1998 54 44 11 22 57 46 15 19 164 142 85 75
1999 53 36 23 16 54 36 12 15 138 99 88 57
2000 67 26 24 10 70 27 17 10 199 63 106 38
2001 40 34 16 10 42 37 11 15 88 81 55 48
2002 58 38 18 15 59 41 14 12 172 100 96 60
2003 51 43 23 17 55 46 11 22 127 97 85 55
2004 47 31 19 14 52 37 11 11 136 87 76 46
2005 64 33 27 14 67 34 14 12 187 86 118 56
2006 74 28 29 8 76 29 18 7 185 63 116 45
2007 74 33 27 10 82 34 16 15 182 71 116 41
2008 59 18 22 7 61 19 19 5 130 39 85 24
2009 57 30 23 16 59 31 16 14 151 64 80 39
2010 42 23 17 5 42 24 19 19 95 50 61 35
2011 56 34 15 14 59 34 27 13 141 67 95 60
2012 59 31 30 11 61 32 26 17 118 56 88 43
2013 57 36 24 19 65 37 13 14 157 81 96 50
2014 60 22 23 8 62 22 12 11 130 39 96 29
2015 65 34 23 17 69 35 16 14 175 67 111 52
2016 86 42 32 13 93 42 24 19 183 96 129 63
2017 98 45 40 12 103 48 32 21 227 72 156 60
2018 88 36 35 12 97 36 37 18 201 56 152 53
2019 69 46 17 12 73 49 29 18 161 82 106 68
2020 96 51 38 11 101 56 29 25 214 91 155 71
2021 100 59 0 0 109 64 30 29 234 108 190 92
Local government: full-time employees
Job CharlottePortland
Airports 687 0
Financial administration 353 486
Firefighters 1,150 639
Fire - other 57 63
Health 74 0
Judicial and legal 52 60
Other and unallocable 421 133
Other government administration 331 616
Parks and recreation 257 588
Police - other 398 385
Police protection - officers 2,117 857
Sewerage 150 548
Solid waste management 253 26
Streets and highways 429 849
Totals for government 8,238 5,923
Transit 475 0
Water supply 892 563
Local government: part-time employees
Job CharlottePortland
Airports 48 0
Financial administration 9 23
Fire - other 1 6
Judicial and legal 7 6
Other and unallocable 9 7
Other government administration 20 24
Parks and recreation 517 1,031
Police - other 30 16
Police protection - officers 98 1
Sewerage 4 26
Solid waste management 1 0
Streets and highways 3 22
Totals for government 784 1,194
Transit 11 0
Water supply 22 22
Place of birth - Foreign born
Residents CharlottePortland
All residents 17.1% 12.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 42.3% 13.0%
Asian residents 69.9% 60.8%
Black or African American residents 6.8% 16.8%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 5.6% 34.3%
Other race residents 52.5% 29.5%
Two or more races residents 30.4% 9.1%
White residents 5.8% 5.2%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 5.7% 5.3%
Place of birth - Native, outside of US
Residents CharlottePortland
All residents 1.8% 1.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 0.0% 1.0%
Asian residents 0.9% 1.7%
Black or African American residents 1.3% 1.8%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 22.7% 12.9%
Other race residents 3.3% 1.9%
Two or more races residents 3.2% 3.3%
White residents 1.4% 1.5%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 1.4% 1.3%
Place of birth - Born in state of residence
Residents CharlottePortland
All residents 40.7% 37.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 40.7% 41.1%
Asian residents 16.4% 21.1%
Black or African American residents 53.2% 47.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 33.9% 20.4%
Other race residents 28.8% 33.6%
Two or more races residents 37.8% 47.2%
White residents 38.9% 38.1%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 38.8% 39.6%
Place of birth - Born in other state
Residents CharlottePortland
All residents 40.3% 48.0%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 17.1% 44.8%
Asian residents 12.7% 16.4%
Black or African American residents 38.7% 34.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 37.8% 32.4%
Other race residents 15.4% 34.9%
Two or more races residents 28.6% 40.3%
White residents 53.9% 55.2%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 54.2% 53.8%
English speakers (speaking English at home)
Type Charlotte Portland
Born in the United States residents 93.3% 93.1%
Foreign born residents 16.8% 21.2%
Native, born elsewhere residents 57.7% 69%
Total residents 77.8% 81.5%
Mechanisms of homicide
Mechanism CharlottePortland
Homicides from 2000 to 2006 537 202
Cut / Pierce 60 29
Firearm 408 116
Mechanisms of homicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism CharlottePortland
Homicides from 2000 to 2006 101.0 42.9
Cut / Pierce 11.3 6.2
Firearm 76.7 24.6
Mechanisms of suicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism CharlottePortland
Suicides from 2000 to 2006 93.7 140.5
Drowning 0 5.1
Fall 0 10.0
Firearm 51.7 57.3
Poisoning 15.2 31.2
Suffocation 18.2 31.2

Infrastructure

Charlotte's infrastructure is more modern with a range of amenities such as the Douglas International Airport, multiple interstates and highways, and light rail and bus systems. In contrast, Portland's infrastructure is focused on sustainability, with extensive public transit, bike lanes, and green building initiatives.
Infrastructure
Type Charlotte Portland
Hospitals 37 21
TV stations 16 18
Arenas or stadiums 3 3
Bank branches located here 202 208
Bank institutions located here 26 30
Main business address for public companies 33 32
Nuclear power plants nearby 2 0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past 24 2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past 40 16

Schools

School facilities
Type Charlotte Portland
Private elementary/middle schools 19 45
Private high schools 31 27
Public elementary/middle schools 120 126
Public high schools 35 21
Colleges/Universities 25 37
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year CharlottePortland
1999 3,049 1,922
2000 1,568 1,651
2001 1,382 1,193
2002 1,275 1,235
2003 1,879 1,844
2004 2,415 2,651
2005 3,078 3,396
2006 3,864 3,510
2007 3,106 3,008
2008 1,287 1,465
2009 617 712

Culture and Food

Charlotte has a blend of Southern charm and modern city life, with museums, theaters, music venues, and a growing culinary scene. Portland, known as the "City of Roses," stands out with its vibrant culture, liberal atmosphere, and a food scene filled with an extensive range of international cuisines and craft breweries.

Sports Teams

Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, while Portland boasts the NBA's Trail Blazers and the MLS's Portland Timbers. Both cities have passionate local sports fanbases.