Portland, Texas

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Portland also known as the Gem city of the Gulf Coast is a city in Nueces County and San Patricio County , Texas. The population was 14,827 at the 2000 census. Current estimates place the population at 17,300. Portland is described as being the most attractive and pleasant spot in Texas. It was situated in a beautiful 30 to 40 foot high bluff and overlooked 150 square miles of dancing waves and fronted the deepest water in Corpus Christi bay. As a summer and winter resort Portland was described as being particularly fortunate with her mild climate and prevailing bay breezes. As a place for sportsmen, Portland offered great attraction. Ducks and other game were abundant, while the bays abounded with redfish, tarpon and other varieties of fish. More fish and oysters were taken from these waters than at any point in the Gulf Coast. Here also, was the home of the crane, heron and other water fowl. Portland, Texas is known for its clean, family-oriented atmosphere, its TEA recognized school district, its very close proximity to downtown Corpus Christi (7 miles) and the multitude of recreational activities afforded by its position on both Nueces and Corpus Christi Bays; including birding, kitesurfing, fishing, golfing, swimming, canoeing, biking, kayaking and nature viewing. Portland also has 5 historical markers that tell stories of its past.

The Nueces County portion of Portland is made up of water. All land within the city limits is in San Patricio County.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Education
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Portland is located at 27°52′59″N, 97°19′14″W (27.883117, -97.320466)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.9 km² (9.6 mi²). 18.1 km² (7.0 mi²) of it is land and 6.8 km² (2.6 mi²) of it (27.44%) is water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 14,827 people, 5,021 households, and 4,051 families residing in the city. The population density was 820.2/km² (2,125.5/mi²). There were 5,351 housing units at an average density of 296.0/km² (767.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.79% White, 4.11% African American, 0.57% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 7.43% from other races, and 2.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26.10% of the population.

There were 5,021 households out of which 47.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.3% were non-families. 16.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the city the population was spread out with 32.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,574, and the median income for a family was $52,220. Males had a median income of $37,316 versus $25,722 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,871. About 5.8% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Education

Portland is served by the Gregory-Portland Independent School District.

W.C Andrews Elementary School (K-4), T.M. Clark Elementary School (K-4), and East Cliff Elementary School (K-4) are in Portland and serve Portland. Gregory-Portland Intermediate School (5-6), Gregory-Portland Junior High School (7-8), and Gregory-Portland High School (9-12) are also in Portland and serve Portland.