Portsmouth, OH
Population 17,919 · Ohio
About Portsmouth, OH
Portsmouth is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 17,919 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,319 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portsmouth features a median home value of $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Portsmouth one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $758, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,508 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (3,428 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (3,899 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portsmouth shows an unemployment rate of 10.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 37.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portsmouth have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.0% of Portsmouth residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Portsmouth, OH
Compared to national averages, Portsmouth has a median household income of $35,319 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $758 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Portsmouth's income is 51% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 46% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Portsmouth, OH?
Portsmouth offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $758/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,319) that falls below the national average. However, Portsmouth’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portsmouth has a population of 17,919 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Portsmouth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Portsmouth
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashtabula | 17,919 | $43,782 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 17,814 | $55,700 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Pataskala | 18,049 | $90,513 | $277,600 | Compare |
| North Canton | 17,746 | $72,193 | $194,200 | Compare |
| Steubenville | 18,144 | $47,057 | $128,000 | Compare |
| New Philadelphia | 17,563 | $60,932 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Eastlake | 17,538 | $62,510 | $168,300 | Compare |
| Niles | 18,301 | $49,987 | $108,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
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, OH?
The population of Portsmouth, OH is 17,919 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth, OH is $35,319 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth, OH is $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Portsmouth?
The median monthly rent in Portsmouth, OH is $758, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portsmouth?
The unemployment rate in Portsmouth, OH is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portsmouth, OH a good place to live?
Portsmouth offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,919 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portsmouth, OH?
18.0% of residents in Portsmouth aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Portsmouth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portsmouth, OH: median home value is $95,000 (61% below national), median rent is $758/month, and median household income is $35,319. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portsmouth?
The poverty rate in Portsmouth, OH is 37.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Portsmouth, OH?
Portsmouth's population is 2.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.