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Portland, TN

Frequently asked questions

Portland, TN

Portland is a city in Sumner and Robertson counties in Tennessee. The population was 11,486 in 2010 according to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau and in 2020 the population was 13,156. Portland is a part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Portland is located on the Highland Rim in extreme northern Middle Tennessee. This region has always been known for excellent agricultural soils, a spectacular wildlife environment, and an enjoyable climate. People were originally attracted from the tobacco belt in Virginia and the Carolinas to the Highland Rim for land speculation and production of dark tobacco. The Highland Rim offered ideal climate and soil conditions for growing dark tobacco. This lucrative crop increased the value of the land, which benefited land speculators in the area. Eventually, these speculators moved on to attempt profits elsewhere. The farmers, however, remained.

The oldest local settlement in Portland is Fountain Head, which is located a couple of miles south of Portland. This settlement was founded in 1792 by the James Gwin family. Within a century, it grew to include a mill, tobacco factory, post office, a Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot, and several local retail stores.

William Nolan built a school near Shun Pike in what is now Portland. This stimulated community growth. Portland was originally called Richland. In 1859, the L&N Railroad opened the Nashville-Bowling Green route through Portland. In the same year, a train depot was built in Richland along the railroad on property owned by Thomas Buntin. Buntin was appointed as the depot's first agent and later became Richland's first postmaster. The depot stimulated development in the village. Even today, the railroad runs directly through the center of town.

The first public high school in Sumner County was originally started as a seminary in 1874. It was later named Sumner County High School and opened in 1915.

In 1887, there were two towns in Tennessee named Richland. Officials of the L&N railroad were worried that a telegraph mix-up might result in a train wreck. Postal customers complained of inconvenience as mail was frequently misdirected between the two Richlands. The Railroad administrators and postal authorities decided that Richland in Sumner County would be renamed as Portland to avoid this confusion. The new name was effective on April 10, 1888. Portland was incorporated in April 1904 by legislation passed by the Tennessee Assembly.

In the second decade of the 21st century, Portland is growing at a fast pace buoyed by the growth of the Nashville Metropolitan Area. Daido America operates its US headquarters in Portland. Companies such as Kyowa America and Unipres have manufacturing plants in the city as well.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.4 square miles (30 km²), of which, 11.4 square miles (30 km²) is land and 0.09% is water. Portland is the northern terminus of the U.S. Bicycle Route 23. Portland is considered the strawberry capital of Tennessee

Portland places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. The Sumner County Family YMCA is a key hub for fitness and community engagement, offering various programs, sports activities, and fitness classes. TriStar Portland ER offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Portland Wellness Center offers comprehensive wellness services including nutrition and weight loss programs, IV therapy, and addiction treatment. Rock Island State Park provides a serene environment for hiking, fishing, and kayaking, making it a great spot for outdoor wellness activities. Spine Stop Chiropractic focuses on chiropractic care and rehabilitation services to enhance physical health. 

Top sites in Portland, TN are Historic Rock Castle, Cragfont State Historic Site, and Stones River National Battlefield.

Population: 13,651 (2024). ZIP code: 37148. Area code: 615. Elevation: 801 ft (244 m). Area: 14.82 sq mi (38.39 km²).  

FAQs

Is Portland, TN expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Portland, OR is 10% higher than the state average and 20% higher than the national average. Portland, OR housing is 50% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 4% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 6% more in Portland, OR than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 6% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 10% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 6% pricier in Portland, OR.

What are the demographics of Portland, TN?

Portland is a city located in Robertson County and Sumner County Tennessee. Portland has a 2024 population of 13,758. Portland is currently growing at a rate of 1.01% annually and its population has increased by 4.18% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 13,206 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Portland was: White: 88.52%, Black or African American: 4.55%, Other race: 4.28%, Two or more races: 1.9%, Asian: 0.29%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.25%, Native American: 0.21%

What is Portland, TN is known for?

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.4 square miles (30 km²), of which, 11.4 square miles (30 km²) is land and 0.09% is water. Portland is the northern terminus of U.S. Bicycle Route 23. Portland is considered the strawberry capital of Tennessee.

Sources

City of Portland

Wikipedia

Rentcafe

World Population Review

Historic Rock Castle

Cragfont State Historic Site

Stones River National Battlefield

Sumner County Family YMCA

TriStar Portland ER

Planet Fitness

Portland Wellness Center

Rock Island State Park

Spine Stop Chiropractic

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