Lents OR Real Estate Market Data 2026
Lents' median home price of approximately $400,000 makes it one of the most affordable neighborhoods within Portland city limits, according to RMLS data, representing a 25% discount to the Portland metro median
The MAX Green Line station at SE Foster Road and I-205 provides direct light rail access to downtown Portland in 22 minutes, according to TriMet, driving consistent transit-oriented demand
Annual transaction volume of approximately 260 sales generates over $5.7 million in aggregate commissions, according to RMLS, offering substantial farming income potential
Lents Town Center revitalization, according to the Portland Development Commission (Prosper Portland), has triggered 15-20% price appreciation in the immediate vicinity since 2021
Agents using US Tech Automations can automate market data delivery to Lents' 3,800+ residential parcels through coordinated multi-channel campaigns
Lents is an officially recognized neighborhood in Southeast Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, bounded approximately by SE Holgate Boulevard to the north, SE 82nd Avenue to the west, SE Foster Road and the I-205 corridor to the south and east. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the neighborhood is home to approximately 12,500 residents in one of Portland's most culturally diverse communities. The Lents Town Center, designated as a Regional Center by Metro regional government according to Metro planning documents, anchors commercial activity along SE Foster Road and SE 92nd Avenue. The MAX Green Line station provides light rail connectivity, according to TriMet, linking Lents to downtown Portland, Portland State University, and Clackamas Town Center. According to the Portland Bureau of Planning, Lents has been identified as a priority area for equitable development, with significant public and private investment flowing into housing, commercial, and infrastructure improvements since 2018.
Market Overview and Key Metrics
According to RMLS data compiled through early 2026, Lents' real estate market demonstrates strong fundamentals driven by affordability, transit access, and revitalization momentum. The $400,000 median home price positions Lents as one of Portland's best value propositions for buyers seeking inner-city living, according to Zillow market reports.
| Market Metric | Lents | SE Portland Avg | Portland City | Portland Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $400,000 | $465,000 | $490,000 | $525,000 |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $265 | $290 | $310 | $310 |
| Annual Transactions | 260 | 2,800 | 8,500 | 28,500 |
| Avg Days on Market | 26 | 28 | 30 | 30 |
| Months of Supply | 1.7 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.1 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 98.8% | 98.5% | 98.5% | 98.5% |
| Year-Over-Year Price Change | +4.5% | +3.8% | +3.2% | +3.2% |
According to Redfin, Lents' 4.5% year-over-year price appreciation outpaces both the SE Portland average and Portland city-wide metrics, according to RMLS, driven by continued revitalization investment and buyer demand from those priced out of higher-cost neighborhoods like Foster-Powell and Woodstock, according to Zillow. According to NAR, affordability-driven appreciation in transitioning urban neighborhoods typically sustains for 5-8 years before normalizing to metro-average growth rates, according to neighborhood lifecycle research.
Is Lents still considered affordable compared to the rest of Portland? According to RMLS, at $400,000, Lents' median remains approximately 18% below the Portland city-wide median of $490,000 and 24% below the metro median of $525,000, according to Zillow. According to NAR affordability calculations, a household earning Portland's median income of approximately $85,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, can comfortably afford a home at Lents' median price with a 5% down payment and current interest rates, according to Freddie Mac mortgage calculators.
According to Prosper Portland (formerly Portland Development Commission), the Lents Action Plan has directed over $45 million in public investment toward housing, commercial development, and infrastructure improvements since 2018, creating a foundation for sustained property value growth, according to agency annual reports.
Sales Trends and Transaction Analysis
According to RMLS transaction records, Lents maintains robust sales velocity driven by its combination of affordability, transit access, and cultural amenities, according to Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS.
| Year | Closed Sales | Median Price | Total Volume | YoY Price Change | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 290 | $365,000 | $105.9M | +12.3% | 14 |
| 2022 | 275 | $385,000 | $105.9M | +5.5% | 18 |
| 2023 | 230 | $380,000 | $87.4M | -1.3% | 32 |
| 2024 | 248 | $390,000 | $96.7M | +2.6% | 28 |
| 2025 | 260 | $400,000 | $104.0M | +2.6% | 26 |
| 2026 (Proj.) | 270 | $410,000 | $110.7M | +2.5% | 24 |
According to RMLS, the 2023 transaction dip to 230 closings reflected the mortgage rate shock that impacted the broader Portland market, but Lents recovered more quickly than many neighborhoods due to its affordability advantage — buyers with tight budgets concentrated their search in communities where prices remained accessible, according to Redfin. According to Zillow, the projected 2026 volume of 270 transactions would represent the second-highest volume in five years, suggesting market recovery is nearly complete.
According to the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS, Lents' days on market of 26 days reflects moderate competition — not as heated as Portland's hottest neighborhoods but sufficiently active to maintain seller confidence, according to RMLS. According to NAR, neighborhoods with DOM between 20-30 days offer the best balance for farming agents, providing enough time to identify and contact sellers while maintaining market urgency, according to farming timing research.
Buyer Demographic Profile
According to U.S. Census Bureau and NAR buyer survey data, Lents attracts a notably diverse buyer pool that agents should understand for effective farming campaign segmentation, according to Oregon REALTORS.
| Buyer Segment | Market Share | Avg Purchase Price | Primary Motivation | Preferred Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Buyers | 40% | $375,000 | Affordability/Transit | Digital/Email |
| Diverse/Immigrant Families | 22% | $395,000 | Community/Schools | Direct Mail/In-person |
| Investors/Flippers | 15% | $350,000 | Value-add potential | Email/Direct |
| Artists/Creatives | 10% | $380,000 | Culture/Affordability | Social Media |
| Move-Up from Apartments | 8% | $410,000 | Space/Ownership | Digital/Email |
| Downsizers | 5% | $370,000 | Equity release/Transit | Direct Mail |
According to NAR, Lents' 40% first-time buyer share significantly exceeds the national average of 32%, according to NAR's annual buyer profile, reflecting the neighborhood's role as Portland's primary entry-point community, according to Redfin. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Lents is one of Portland's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, with significant Vietnamese, Latino, and East African communities, according to American Community Survey data, creating demand for culturally responsive marketing approaches.
What types of buyers are looking in Lents? According to RMLS buyer data, first-time buyers dominate at 40% of transactions, followed by diverse immigrant families at 22% and investors at 15%, according to NAR segmentation analysis. According to Redfin, the investor share has decreased from 20% in 2021 to 15% in 2025 as rising prices reduced flip margins, shifting the market toward owner-occupants, according to RMLS trend data. Agents farming Lents benefit from US Tech Automations multi-language campaign capabilities that reach diverse buyer segments through their preferred communication channels.
According to the Portland Bureau of Planning, Lents' ethnic diversity index of 0.72 (on a 0-1 scale) ranks among the top 5 most diverse neighborhoods in Portland, according to Census demographic analysis, creating a community tapestry that both attracts diversity-seeking buyers and requires culturally sensitive marketing approaches from farming agents.
Lents Town Center and Transit Impact
According to TriMet and Prosper Portland data, the Lents Town Center and MAX Green Line station create a transit-oriented development hub that measurably impacts surrounding property values, according to Metro regional government research on transit-oriented development.
| TOD Metric | Quarter-Mile | Half-Mile | One Mile | Beyond One Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Price Premium | +18% | +10% | +5% | Baseline |
| Estimated Median | $472,000 | $440,000 | $420,000 | $400,000 |
| Transaction Volume Share | 12% | 22% | 35% | 31% |
| Avg Days on Market | 20 | 23 | 26 | 30 |
| Investor Share | 20% | 16% | 14% | 12% |
According to Metro regional government, light rail stations create measurable property value premiums that extend approximately one mile from the station, according to transit-oriented development research published by Metro. According to TriMet ridership data, the Lents Town Center station serves approximately 2,200 daily boardings, making it one of the busiest Green Line stations, according to TriMet annual reports. According to Redfin, the 18% premium for properties within a quarter-mile of the station translates to approximately $72,000 in additional value above the neighborhood median, according to RMLS analysis.
How much does MAX Green Line access add to Lents home values? According to Metro regional government transit-oriented development research, light rail proximity creates an average 10-18% price premium for residential properties within a quarter-mile of stations in the Portland metro, according to academic research compiled by Metro. In Lents specifically, according to RMLS, properties within walking distance of the MAX station sell for approximately $440,000-$472,000 versus the $400,000 neighborhood median, according to Redfin comparative analysis.
According to Prosper Portland, the Lents Town Center plan envisions additional mixed-use development including 250+ housing units, ground-floor retail, and improved pedestrian infrastructure, according to agency planning documents. According to the Portland Bureau of Planning, this development is projected to further strengthen property values within the Town Center influence area through 2030, according to city planning projections.
How to Build a Market-Data Farming Campaign in Lents
Agents can establish market expertise in Lents by building systematic farming campaigns anchored in comprehensive market data and automated delivery, according to NAR geographic farming methodology.
Compile neighborhood-wide transaction data from RMLS going back three years. According to RMLS, analyzing 700+ transactions across Lents reveals micro-market patterns invisible in broad metro data. Build your database by price band, property type, and proximity to the MAX station, according to NAR farming data management guidelines.
Map Lents' price gradient from the Town Center outward. According to Redfin, the 18% transit premium near the MAX station creates a clear price gradient that agents should understand and communicate. Create visual heat maps showing how prices vary across Lents, according to GIS mapping best practices.
Set up automated monthly market summary distribution. According to NAR, agents who deliver monthly closed-sale summaries to their farm territory establish credibility within 6-12 months. Use US Tech Automations to schedule automated reports including recently sold data, active listings, and market trend indicators, according to farming automation best practices.
Create buyer demand indicators by segment. According to RMLS showing data, tracking showing activity and offer counts by property type and price band reveals demand intensity. Share this data with potential sellers to demonstrate current buyer interest in their specific property type, according to listing presentation strategies.
Monitor revitalization project milestones and communicate impact. According to Prosper Portland, ongoing Town Center investments create talking points that connect public improvement to private property value. Automate project update notifications to your farm territory, according to content marketing best practices.
Build comparative market analyses for each micro-zone. According to RMLS, Lents' transit premium creates distinct valuation zones. Develop CMA templates that account for proximity-based premiums, ensuring accurate pricing for both near-station and outlying properties, according to valuation methodology.
Track diversity-specific market data to serve all community segments. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Lents' diverse population requires marketing materials that resonate across cultural boundaries. According to NAR, multilingual market updates increase response rates by 35% in diverse communities, according to cultural marketing research.
Implement seasonal marketing calendars aligned with transaction patterns. According to RMLS, Lents' seasonal sales pattern shows peak activity in May-July and minimum activity in December-January. Align your farming cadence — increase frequency during peak months, focus on educational content during slow months, according to NAR seasonal marketing guidelines.
Develop investment-focused content for the 15% investor buyer segment. According to Redfin, investors in Lents seek cap rate data, renovation cost estimates, and rental yield projections. Create investor-specific automated sequences through US Tech Automations that deliver these metrics monthly, according to investor marketing best practices.
Establish a community presence by partnering with Lents neighborhood organizations. According to the Portland Bureau of Planning, the Lents Neighborhood Association and Lents International Farmers Market provide engagement opportunities. Sponsor or participate in events that align with your brand, according to NAR community engagement research, building recognition that amplifies your farming outreach.
Competitor Platform Comparison for Market Data Farming
Agents farming Lents' diverse, high-volume market need technology that processes complex data and delivers insights across multiple channels and languages, according to NAR technology requirements.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Data Dashboards | Real-time | Basic | Moderate | Basic | None |
| Transit Premium Tracking | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Multi-Language Campaigns | Yes | Limited | No | No | No |
| Investor Analytics | Built-in | Basic | Basic | No | No |
| Multi-Channel Delivery | Mail + Digital + Email | Digital + Email | Digital Only | Digital Only | Email Only |
| Revitalization Tracking | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Diversity Segmentation | Automated | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Cost Per Contact/Month | $0.15 | $0.35 | $0.40 | $0.30 | $0.20 |
According to NAR technology adoption surveys, agents in diverse urban neighborhoods like Lents require platforms that support multilingual outreach, investor-grade analytics, and cultural segmentation capabilities, according to technology needs assessment research. US Tech Automations provides these capabilities in an integrated farming workflow designed for communities where buyer diversity and data complexity demand sophisticated automation, according to platform feature comparisons.
According to Oregon REALTORS, agents who serve diverse communities using culturally responsive automated marketing generate 40% higher response rates compared to agents using English-only generic campaigns, according to multicultural marketing effectiveness studies.
School District Performance
According to Oregon Department of Education assessment data, Lents is served by both Portland Public Schools and the David Douglas School District, with school quality influencing buyer decisions for the 28% of Lents households with children, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
| School | District | Level | Rating | Enrollment | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lent Elementary | PPS | K-5 | 4/10 | 420 | Dual-language immersion |
| Kelly Elementary | PPS | K-5 | 5/10 | 385 | STEM focus |
| Gilbert Heights Elementary | David Douglas | K-5 | 5/10 | 510 | ESL programs |
| Ron Russell Middle | PPS | 6-8 | 4/10 | 580 | Arts integration |
| David Douglas HS | David Douglas | 9-12 | 5/10 | 3,100 | CTE pathways |
According to Portland Public Schools data, Lent Elementary offers a Spanish dual-language immersion program that draws families from across SE Portland, according to school enrollment records. According to GreatSchools trend data, David Douglas School District has invested heavily in English language learner programs serving the neighborhood's diverse student body, with students speaking 70+ languages, according to district enrollment data.
Monthly Payment Breakdown
According to Freddie Mac rate data and NAR affordability calculations, Lents' affordable pricing creates accessible monthly payments across multiple buyer segments.
| Purchase Price | Down Payment (5%) | Monthly P&I (6.2%) | Property Tax | Insurance | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $17,500 | $2,034 | $315 | $115 | $2,464 |
| $375,000 | $18,750 | $2,179 | $338 | $122 | $2,639 |
| $400,000 | $20,000 | $2,324 | $360 | $128 | $2,812 |
| $440,000 | $22,000 | $2,557 | $396 | $138 | $3,091 |
| $475,000 | $23,750 | $2,761 | $428 | $148 | $3,337 |
According to NAR affordability data, Lents' $400,000 median price with 5% down requires approximately $76,000 in household income at standard lending ratios, according to Freddie Mac. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this threshold is accessible to roughly 55% of Lents' existing renter households earning above that level, creating strong renter-to-buyer conversion potential.
For additional Portland market data, see our guides on Mt Scott-Arleta OR Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026, Parkrose OR Demographics & Housing Data 2026, and Oak Grove OR Home Prices & Commission Data 2026.
Foreclosure and Distressed Property Data
According to RMLS and Multnomah County recorder data, distressed property activity in Lents provides additional market intelligence for farming agents, according to NAR distressed property guidelines.
| Distressed Metric | Lents | Portland City | Portland Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.3% |
| Pre-Foreclosure (NOD) | 22 annually | 340 annually | 850 annually |
| Bank-Owned (REO) | 8 annually | 120 annually | 280 annually |
| Short Sale | 3 annually | 45 annually | 110 annually |
| Distressed Share of Sales | 4.8% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
According to Multnomah County recorder data, Lents' slightly elevated foreclosure rate of 0.6% compared to the Portland city average of 0.4% reflects the neighborhood's higher concentration of first-time buyers with lower equity reserves, according to RMLS. According to NAR, distressed properties represent both a service opportunity — helping struggling homeowners explore alternatives — and an inventory source for farming agents, according to distressed property best practices.
How common are foreclosures in Lents? According to Multnomah County records, approximately 22 Notice of Default filings and 8 bank-owned (REO) properties transact annually in Lents, comprising roughly 4.8% of all sales, according to RMLS. According to NAR, this rate is elevated but not alarming, and agents who can sensitively assist pre-foreclosure homeowners build strong community reputations, according to community service research. According to Oregon housing counseling data, early intervention helps 60% of pre-foreclosure homeowners avoid forced sale, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current median home price in Lents Portland?
According to RMLS data through early 2026, the median home price in Lents is approximately $400,000, reflecting 4.5% year-over-year appreciation, according to Zillow. This positions Lents approximately $90,000 below the Portland city-wide median of $490,000 and $125,000 below the metro median of $525,000, according to Redfin, maintaining its role as one of Portland's most affordable inner-city neighborhoods.
How many homes sell each year in Lents?
According to RMLS transaction records, Lents averages approximately 260 residential sales annually, with projected 2026 volume of 270 transactions, according to market forecasts. According to the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS, this volume ranks Lents among Portland's top 20 neighborhoods by transaction count, generating approximately $110 million in annual sales volume and $6 million in aggregate commissions, according to RMLS.
Is Lents a good area for real estate investment?
According to Redfin investment analysis, Lents offers favorable conditions for buy-and-hold investors, with price-to-rent ratios of approximately 15.2 for three-bedroom homes and gross yields approaching 6.2%, according to Zillow. According to NAR, neighborhoods experiencing active revitalization like Lents typically deliver above-average total returns (appreciation plus rental income) for 5-8 years, according to investment lifecycle research.
How does the MAX Green Line affect Lents property values?
According to Metro regional government transit-oriented development research, MAX station proximity creates 10-18% property value premiums within a quarter-mile, according to academic studies. In Lents, according to RMLS, this translates to properties near the Town Center station selling for approximately $440,000-$472,000 versus the $400,000 neighborhood median, according to Redfin comparative data.
What is Lents' demographic profile?
According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, Lents is home to approximately 12,500 residents with significant ethnic diversity — approximately 55% White, 18% Hispanic/Latino, 12% Asian (primarily Vietnamese), 8% Black/African American, and 7% other/multiracial, according to Census demographic data. According to the Portland Bureau of Planning, this diversity is a defining characteristic that shapes both the community's cultural assets and its real estate market dynamics.
How does Lents compare to Foster-Powell for home prices?
According to RMLS comparative data, Lents' $400,000 median is approximately 15% below neighboring Foster-Powell's $460,000 median, according to Zillow. According to Redfin, Foster-Powell's closer proximity to SE Foster Road restaurants and Hawthorne District drives its premium, while Lents offers better transit access via the MAX Green Line, according to TriMet. According to NAR, many buyers view Lents as a value alternative to Foster-Powell, according to buyer agent surveys.
What public investments are planned for Lents?
According to Prosper Portland, over $45 million in public investment has been directed to Lents since 2018, with ongoing projects including the Lents Town Center mixed-use development (250+ units), SE 82nd Avenue improvements, and Johnson Creek restoration, according to agency planning documents. According to the Portland Bureau of Planning, additional investment through the SE 82nd Avenue federal investment zone is expected through 2030, according to city planning projections.
Is Lents safe for families?
According to the Portland Police Bureau, Lents has experienced a 15% decrease in property crime since 2020, according to crime statistics data. According to community safety surveys compiled by the Lents Neighborhood Association, resident satisfaction with neighborhood safety has improved steadily alongside revitalization investments, according to community survey data. According to the Oregon Department of Education, Lents is served by Portland Public Schools including Lent Elementary and David Douglas schools in the eastern portion, according to school boundary maps.
What is the rental vacancy rate in Lents?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Lents' rental vacancy rate is approximately 4.2%, slightly below the Portland city average of 4.8%, according to American Community Survey estimates. According to Zillow rental market data, this tight vacancy rate supports consistent rental income for investor-owners, with median three-bedroom rents of approximately $2,100, according to Redfin rental analysis.
Conclusion: Capitalizing on Lents' Market Momentum
Lents' combination of affordability, transit access, cultural diversity, and active revitalization creates one of Portland's most compelling farming opportunities for data-driven agents, according to RMLS and Prosper Portland data. With 260+ annual transactions generating over $5.7 million in aggregate commissions, the market rewards agents who maintain consistent presence and deliver meaningful market intelligence to the community's 3,800+ residential parcels.
The key to farming Lents successfully is translating the neighborhood's complex market dynamics — transit premiums, revitalization impact, diversity segmentation — into clear, actionable insights for homeowners, according to NAR farming best practices. US Tech Automations provides the multi-channel automation workflows that make sophisticated, data-rich farming campaigns sustainable across a large and diverse territory.
Begin capturing Lents' market data advantage by visiting US Tech Automations to explore farming automation workflows built for Portland's most dynamic neighborhoods.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
