Portsmouth, VA
Population 97,299 · Virginia
About Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 97,299 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,972 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portsmouth features a median home value of $229,400, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Portsmouth in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,266, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 43,233 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (22,557 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (17,121 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 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portsmouth have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.2% 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 1.5% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portsmouth Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Portsmouth, VA
Compared to national averages, Portsmouth has a median household income of $58,972 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $229,400, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,266 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Portsmouth's income is 33% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 30% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Portsmouth, VA?
Portsmouth offers affordable housing with a median home value of $229,400, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,972) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Portsmouth provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Portsmouth has a population of 97,299 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Portsmouth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Portsmouth
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk | 96,638 | $90,089 | $329,600 | Compare |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $52,671 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Lynchburg | 79,255 | $59,808 | $211,800 | Compare |
| Dale City | 72,793 | $113,245 | $400,100 | Compare |
| Centreville | 71,885 | $143,704 | $565,900 | Compare |
| Reston | 63,542 | $139,515 | $616,000 | Compare |
| Hampton | 137,334 | $67,758 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Harrisonburg | 51,492 | $59,752 | $278,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Portsmouth, VA is 97,299 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth, VA is $58,972 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth, VA is $229,400, which is 6% below 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, VA is $1,266, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portsmouth?
The unemployment rate in Portsmouth, VA is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portsmouth, VA a good place to live?
Portsmouth offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 97,299 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portsmouth, VA?
23.2% 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, VA: median home value is $229,400 (6% below national), median rent is $1,266/month, and median household income is $58,972. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Portsmouth?
The poverty rate in Portsmouth, VA is 17.6%, 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, VA?
Portsmouth's population is 1.5% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 51.2% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.