Fort Worth, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, both offer unique lifestyles and attractions, thereby making them both appealing places to settle and visit for different reasons. Fort Worth, known for its cowboy culture, is ideal for those who prefer warm weather, lower cost of living, and no state income tax. On the other hand, Portland is renowned for its green spaces, cooler climate, and vibrant food and arts scene. The city's sustainability-conscious culture and progressive thinking resonate with many. While both cities have diverse economic sectors, they cater to different industries—Fort Worth leans towards defense and aviation, whereas Portland leans towards tech and healthcare.
Distance between
Fort Worth, TX and
Portland, OR : 1,607.7 miles
Fort Worth's population is larger by 46%. Its population has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.
When comparing safety between the two cities, both have their own challenges. Portland, recently, has seen an increase in crime rates, particularly in areas concentrated near downtown. Fort Worth, while comparatively safer, also has areas with higher crime rates. A determinant of safety can often be the neighborhood one chooses to reside in or visit within each city. As always, vigilance and routine safety precautions are recommended in either city.
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 3,166 registered sex offenders living in Fort Worth and 374 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fort Worth is 270 to 1; the ratio in Portland is 1,710 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Fort Worth than that in Portland.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living is significantly lower in Fort Worth than in Portland. This is primarily due to lower housing costs, utility costs, and groceries. Despite the higher cost of living in Portland, many residents find the abundant recreational opportunities, robust public transportation, and rich cultural life to outweigh the cost.
Income Tax
Texas, including Fort Worth, does not have an income tax. Oregon imposes a state income tax, with rates ranging from 5% to 9.9%, depending on income level. This difference can be a significant consideration for potential residents.
Property Tax
Both cities have considerable property taxes, but Texas' are among the highest in the nation, thereby making property taxes in Fort Worth higher than those in Portland.
Sales Tax
Fort Worth has a higher sales tax rate than Portland. Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax, but when state, county, and city taxes are combined, the total rate can be as high as 8.25%. Oregon, including Portland, does not have a state sales tax.
Income
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Estimated median household income
$68,235
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$34,106
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.4
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Fort Worth, you will have to make $55,818 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fort Worth is relatively flat, with the West Fork of the Trinity River running through it. The surrounding area is characterized by prairie, ranchland, and forest. Portland, in contrast, is full of hills and is set on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, with Mount Hood in view.
Both cities boast reputable educational opportunities. In Fort Worth, the Independent School District operates the public schools. The city is also home to Texas Christian University and a few other post-secondary institutions. Meanwhile, Portland Public Schools is the largest school district in Oregon and contains some of the top-rated schools in the state. Higher education opportunities abound, including the prestigious Reed College and Lewis & Clark College.
Fort Worth's economy is diverse, with key sectors including aviation, defense, healthcare, and logistics. Portland's economy leans towards technology, healthcare, skilled manufacturing, and education. The unemployment rates are similar in both cities but vary based on industry, with jobs in high-demand fields and professional sectors being easier to find.
Biggest Employers
In Fort Worth, the biggest employers are American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and the Fort Worth Independent School District. Portland's largest employers include Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Oregon Health & Science University.
There were 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011) compared to 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 more than in 2011).
In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% 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
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
2020
49.3%
79.2%
49.1%
17.9%
1.6%
2.9%
2016
43.2%
73.3%
51.8%
17.0%
5.0%
9.7%
2012
41.4%
75.4%
57.1%
20.6%
1.4%
4.0%
2008
43.8%
76.7%
55.5%
20.6%
0.7%
2.7%
2004
37.0%
71.6%
62.5%
27.1%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
36.9%
63.8%
60.9%
28.3%
2.3%
7.9%
1996
41.6%
59.2%
50.9%
26.3%
7.5%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
0.5%
33.3%
3.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
15.2%
1.9%
6.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
0.3%
0.9%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
0.9%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
1.6%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
0.8%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
4.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.8%
0.1%
2.7%
Weather
Fort Worth experience hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer can be particularly intense, with temperatures often reaching the high 90s. In contrast, Portland's climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, with temperatures generally more moderate than Fort Worth. Ideally, those who prefer sunshine and warm weather would prefer Fort Worth, while those who enjoy mild summers and don’t mind the rain would prefer Portland.
Weather and climate
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Temperature - Average
65°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34.1%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82.1%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
20%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
Fort Worth
Portland
2018
67
79
N/A
0.26
5.8
8.8
27.1
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
N/A
0.4
2017
67
93
N/A
0.26
6.2
8.7
27.2
22.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
N/A
0.4
2016
56
72
N/A
0.25
6.3
8.7
25.5
20.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
N/A
0.2
2015
61
91
N/A
0.28
6.5
9.2
24.8
20.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
N/A
0.5
2014
56
91
0.22
0.24
6.8
8.5
26.6
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.3
N/A
0.8
2013
64
85
0.25
0.29
6.4
9.6
26.5
17.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
1.1
2012
87
78
0.26
0.30
7.8
9.1
30.3
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
N/A
0.6
2011
79
89
0.23
0.34
7.9
9.4
30.7
18.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
N/A
0.8
2010
70
80
0.23
0.33
8.5
9.1
27.7
19.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
N/A
1.4
2009
81
95
0.25
0.32
8.7
10.2
29.5
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
1.6
2008
69
101
0.25
0.34
9.6
10.9
25.8
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.0
2007
75
101
0.30
0.35
10.6
11.4
24.6
18.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
2006
90
106
0.34
N/A
10.2
N/A
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
N/A
1.5
2005
102
96
0.34
N/A
10.9
N/A
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
8.9
0.9
1.7
2004
78
92
0.39
N/A
10.6
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
2003
82
77
0.40
N/A
11.1
N/A
27.2
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
N/A
2002
94
68
0.37
N/A
11.8
N/A
25.8
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
N/A
2001
16
73
0.48
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
N/A
2000
17
52
0.55
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
249.6%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
562.8%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
9%
Transportation
In terms of transportation, Portland's system is more public transit-oriented, with an extensive network of buses, light rail, and a bike-sharing program. Fort Worth is built for vehicles, with a significant highway infrastructure for commuting. While public transit exists, it's not as comprehensive as Portland's.
Transport
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Bicycle
0.1%
3.1%
Bus
0.4%
4.6%
Carpooled
11%
9.4%
Car alone
85.8%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.9%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Walked
1.3%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Average
28.5 min
28.8 min
Other means
25.3 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
41.8 min
38.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.6%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
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
Both cities offer a wide range of real estate options to fit varied budgets and preferences. However, housing in Portland is more expensive than in Fort Worth. In recent years, both cities have experienced a rise in housing costs, although increases in Fort Worth have been less severe.
Neighborhoods
Fort Worth neighborhoods retain more of a traditional Southern charm, with many suburbs providing a comfortable and family-friendly environment. Portland's neighborhoods cater to a diversity of lifestyles ranging from the bohemian Hawthorne district to the more affluent neighborhoods of Laurelhurst and Westmoreland.
Houses and residents
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Houses
361,341
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Median year apartment built
1991
1976
Median year house/condo built
1995
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.2 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
334,286 (92.5%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
185,197 (55.4%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
149,089 (44.6%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,068
$1,917
Median monthly housing costs
$1,328
$1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$288,576
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$249,000
$520,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$279,885
$568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$337,081
$426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$298,062
$466,898
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,470
$136,996
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$16,069
$126,313
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$279,957
$416,951
Median house price - All housing units
$279,281
$544,799
Median house age
29
56
Renting percentage
40.8%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,235.2
2,259.4
House value disparities
31.8%
23.1%
Household income disparities
43.6%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$106,170
$122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,147
$72,663
Housing units without a mortgage
2,986 (2.4%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,696 (3%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
121,099 (97.6%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
66 (0.1%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,171 (4.2%)
12,832 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.8%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fort Worth
Portland
One, detached
65.4%
53.3%
One, attached
2.9%
5.7%
Two
1.6%
3.5%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.5%
5 to 9
5.8%
4.0%
10 to 19
6.5%
4.7%
20 to 49
4.6%
6.6%
50 or more
7.0%
16.2%
Mobile homes
2.1%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
27,257
25,437
State government workers
8,587
15,615
Unpaid family workers
392
688
Industries and Occupations
In Fort Worth, major industries include aviation, defense, health care, and energy. The skilled labor pool is abundant, with occupations in healthcare and social assistance, retail, and education being prevalent. Portland's economy boasts a significant high-tech industry, with software, hardware, and semiconductor firms. The majority of workers are employed in healthcare, education, and professional services.
Health care in both cities is well rounded. Portland's health-conscious image is supported by a range of health care services, including alternative and naturopathic treatments. Fort Worth has renowned health care facilities, such as the John Peter Smith Hospital system.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have working infrastructure systems, although they're different. Fort Worth's model leans on urban sprawl, with freeways and roads supporting motor vehicle transit. Contrastingly, Portland showcases a more integrated approach with an emphasis on public transportation and green initiatives like bike lanes.
Infrastructure
Type
Fort Worth
Portland
Hospitals
76
21
TV stations
25
18
Arenas or stadiums
7
3
Bank branches located here
175
208
Bank institutions located here
42
30
Main business address for public companies
24
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fort Worth
Portland
1999
3,575
1,922
2000
2,473
1,651
2001
2,109
1,193
2002
1,701
1,235
2003
2,183
1,844
2004
3,202
2,651
2005
4,261
3,396
2006
4,161
3,510
2007
2,871
3,008
2008
1,256
1,465
2009
585
712
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities are rich but different. Fort Worth is notable for its cowboy history, rodeos, and BBQ dishes. Meanwhile, Portland is recognized for its coffee culture, microbreweries, food trucks, and farmers markets.
Sports Teams
Sports fans are catered to in both cities. Fort Worth benefits from being in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with access to teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks. In Portland, fans have the NBA's Trail Blazers and the MLS's Timbers.
Fort Worth, TX
Portland, OR
Fort Worth, TX and 
Portland, OR : 1,607.7 miles
