Portsmouth, NH
Population 22,332 · New Hampshire
About Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth is a mid-sized city located in New Hampshire with a population of 22,332 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,756 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portsmouth features a median home value of $640,600, which is 162% above the national median of $244,900. This places Portsmouth in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,778, 53% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,094 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (5,499 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (5,057 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portsmouth shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portsmouth have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
63.4% of Portsmouth residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portsmouth Ranks in New Hampshire
Cost of Living in Portsmouth, NH
Compared to national averages, Portsmouth has a median household income of $105,756 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $640,600, which is 162% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,778 is 53% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Hampshire, Portsmouth's income is 33% above the state average of $79,671, and home values are 111% above the state median of $303,204.
Why Live in Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,756, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 63.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $640,600. However, Portsmouth’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portsmouth has a population of 22,332 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Portsmouth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Hampshire.
Similar Cities Near Portsmouth
Cities in New Hampshire with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keene | 22,923 | $78,183 | $232,500 | Compare |
| Derry | 21,668 | $88,901 | $356,700 | Compare |
| Laconia | 16,982 | $68,427 | $308,800 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 14,759 | $92,288 | $345,100 | Compare |
| Claremont | 13,054 | $54,520 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Londonderry | 12,307 | $113,109 | $433,100 | Compare |
| Somersworth | 12,060 | $79,677 | $295,800 | Compare |
| Rochester | 32,866 | $79,388 | $262,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Portsmouth With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portsmouth
What is the population of Portsmouth, NH?
The population of Portsmouth, NH is 22,332 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Hampshire.
What is the median household income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth, NH is $105,756 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth, NH is $640,600, which is 162% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Portsmouth?
The median monthly rent in Portsmouth, NH is $1,778, which is 53% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portsmouth?
The unemployment rate in Portsmouth, NH is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Portsmouth, NH a good place to live?
Portsmouth offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 22,332 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portsmouth, NH?
63.4% of residents in Portsmouth aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Portsmouth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portsmouth, NH: median home value is $640,600 (162% above national), median rent is $1,778/month, and median household income is $105,756. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Portsmouth?
The poverty rate in Portsmouth, NH is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth's population is 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.