The Greater Portland Region spans parts of Oregon and Washington, and combines global connections, a steady flow of talent and the best business value on the West Coast. Discover the critical elements your company needs to access talent, scale at speed and best the competition.
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Welcome to the Land of More Innovation
Greater Portland offers business leaders an exceptional environment to locate or expand operations, build on powerful sector advantages and a rich talent pipeline. Known as a powerhouse for business, Portland has six major industries, including engineering, bioscience, and food & beverage manufacturing. Greater Portland is the largest cluster of outdoor and apparel companies in the U.S. and is known as the “Silicon Forest” for its leadership role in the tech industry.
Portland’s Talent Demographic
Greater Portland is home to a highly skilled talent pool with 66 universities within 100 square miles of the Portland metro area. The region boasts a highly educated and growing population—an ideal landscape for forward-thinking businesses looking for the best talent to join their teams. Within the city of Portland, 43% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and another 21% have graduated from high school or gotten their GED.
The supply of talent isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With Greater Portland’s population at around 2.7 million, the median age of 39, and total population estimates expecting the number of people to grow by 75,000 between 2024 and 2029, you have both experienced talent and fresh minds alike ready to push your business forward.
Learn More About Greater Portland’s Workforce
Greater Portland Works for Businesses
Greater Portland offers highly competitive real estate and energy costs, positioning it as a smart financial choice for businesses considering moving to the area. Industrial and commercial space is more affordable than comparable U.S. cities like Seattle or San Francisco, while electricity rates—particularly for utilities—are consistently below national averages.
It’s not just commercial real estate that’s affordable. U.S. Census data shows 302,000 housing units in the city alone, with an owner-occupied rate of about 51% and a median income in Portland of around $93,000, which is on the rise.
Connectivity is another cornerstone of the region’s appeal. Greater Portland is served by three major interstates (I‑5, I‑205, I‑405), two national railroads, two international ports and Portland International Airport, supporting smooth cargo movement and business travel.
Oregon ranks fifth for infrastructure in the nation, standing out in energy, broadband, roads and transit. Talent can take advantage of the infrastructure as well. 602,000 residents enjoy 25-minutes or less commutes, giving businesses access to a vast local labor pool without long travel times.
Work Hard and Play Hard in Greater Portland
Greater Portland boasts a dynamic and deep workforce that offers businesses a rare blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned expertise. With over 1.3 million workers aged 16 and above, the region supports a wide range of talent ready to meet evolving market demands—from early-career professionals to seasoned industry leaders.
This vibrant workforce is mirrored in the region’s business landscape. Greater Portland is home to over 104,000 businesses spanning 22 distinct industries, meaning your company can not only thrive but also collaborate within a rich and diverse ecosystem. Whether you’re entering a long-established sector or pioneering a new niche, the presence of complementary businesses and cross-industry networks strengthens your ability to grow.
Learn more about how this skilled and expansive workforce can support your strategic goals.
Beyond housing and transit, Greater Portland delivers on quality of life. The region offers 37,000+ acres of parks and green space, including the expansive Forest Park—one of the country’s largest urban parks—along with trail networks, bike infrastructure and urban sustainability initiatives. Employees also enjoy quick access to adventure: the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountain recreation areas are both within a two-hour drive, offering an appealing escape from workday routines.