Portsmouth, VA
Full City Profile · Virginia · Portsmouth city County
2.8
/5.0
C+
Fair
97,299
Population
2,922/sq mi density
$58,972
Median Income
$32,915 per capita
$229,400
Home Value
$268,436 Zillow
$1,266
Median Rent
34.5% income on rent
61°F
Avg Temperature
752
Violent Crime/100K
3,891 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.0 / 5.0
$58,972 median income, 6.6% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$229,400 home value, $1,266/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
752 violent crimes/100K (98% above avg)
C+
Education
2.9 / 5.0
23.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Portsmouth enjoys a temperate climate with 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. The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.4°F |
| 14% above US avg | |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 46.7 sq mi (120.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,922/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8593°N, 76.3570°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Portsmouth city County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk International (ORF) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F (6°C) | 2.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 44°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | Driest |
| March | 50°F (10°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 60°F (16°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.6 in | |
| June | 76°F (25°C) | 4.6 in | |
| July | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| September | 74°F (23°C) | 5.1 in | |
| October | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 in | |
| November | 53°F (12°C) | 3.1 in | |
| December | 46°F (8°C) | 2.9 in |
Portsmouth has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.3") and February the driest (2.6").