We know a lot of people are moving to Portland — and they wouldn’t all fit unless others were leaving.
Although the city’s population has risen in recent years — to about 70,000 after stagnating around 65,000 for decades — there’s also been a demographic shift.
The number of Maine-born residents dropped by about 3,000 people (or 12%) between 2019 and 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Considering the cost of rent and single-family homes, it seems likely that many have had to look elsewhere for housing they can afford.
Where are they going?
For some indication, here are the top destinations, within Maine and out of state, of U-Haul customers who took one-way trips from Portland between April 2025 and April 2026.
Maine destinations
1. Saco
2. Auburn
3. Bangor
4. Augusta
5. Brunswick
6. Waterville
7. Windham
8. Warren
9. Rockland
10. Farmington
Out-of-state destinations
1. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
2. Boston
3. New York City
4. Somerville, Massachusetts
5. (Tie) Worcester, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire
7. Philadelphia
8. Washington, D.C.
9. (Tie) Providence, Rhode Island, and Concord, New Hampshire
Are you seeing yourself in these statistics? Tell us your story by filling out the form below.
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