At a Glance
Median Income
$58,972
$32,915 per capita
Home Value
$229,400
Zillow: $268,436
Median Rent
$1,266/mo
34.5% of income on rent
Violent Crime
752/100K
3,891/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
23.2%
89.2% high school+
Unemployment
6.6%
14.7% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
40.5%
16.9% smoking rate
How Portsmouth Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Portsmouth's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Portsmouth a Good Place to Live?
C+
2.8 / 5.0 - Fair
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Portsmouth residents earn a median household income of $58,972 , which is 22% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $32,915. The unemployment rate stands at 6.6% (83% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,876 business establishments, including 171 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Portsmouth is $229,400 , 19% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $268,436. Median rent is $1,266/month, with 34.5% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 101.1 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1966.
Safety & Crime
Portsmouth reports 752 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 98% above the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 3,891/100K. The murder rate is 37.1/100K.
Education
23.2% of adults in Portsmouth hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(31% below the national average).
89.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 4.9/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Portsmouth has an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C).
Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population97,299
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density2,922/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Foreign Born3.0%
Veterans12.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,972
Per Capita$32,915
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty14.7%
County GDP$7,777M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,305
Housing
A
Home Value$229,400
Rent$1,266
Ownership56.9%
Zillow$268,436
Housing Units43,096
Rent Burden34.5%
Crime
F
Violent752/100K
Property3,891/100K
Murder37.1/100K
Assault509/100K
Burglary426/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Diabetes14.8%
Smoking16.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Premature Death15,223/100K
Climate
Avg Temp61°F
Rain45.7 in/yr
Elevation13 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score4.9/10
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 69%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.5%
Internet Speed214 Mbps
EV Stations7
Libraries4
Did You Know?
Portsmouth was founded in 1752.
The median home in Portsmouth was built in 1966.
The nearest airport is Norfolk International (9 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.466 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
15.9% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 214 Mbps.
There are 171 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 12 fatal vehicle crashes.