Living in Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth is the 357th-largest city in the US, home to about 97,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (97.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 96,777-1.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $246,9004.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,300/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $60,491median, per year
- Price level
- 97.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 50° / 89°lows 34° / 73°
- Average commute
- 24 min9% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.75%top rate, graduated
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County: Portsmouth city
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 10 ft
Metro area: Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Cost of living in Portsmouth
The median home in Portsmouth is worth $246,900 and the median household earns $60,491 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,300 a month, about 26% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area at 97.9, with housing at 99.8 and goods at 96.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,500 here. Virginia taxes wages at a top rate of 5.75%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Virginia is 5.77%.
What would my salary be worth in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth weather
Average highs run from 50°F in January to 89°F in July, and January nights average 34°F. It gets 46 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 3 inches of snow. Expect about 42 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are April to May and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Portsmouth
People and work
The median resident is 35.9 years old, and 24% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 58% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.9238th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 24%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 58%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,90633.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%3% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 17.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1967median year
Who moves to Portsmouth, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from San Diego (San Diego County), Escambia County, FL and Jacksonville (Duval County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Jacksonville (Duval County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Prince George's County, MD. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Portsmouth County, scored against every US county.
Home prices
+3.6% in a year
Up 43% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
78% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Portsmouth
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Old Dominion University 4 miles
- Tidewater Community College 3 miles
- ECPI University 9 miles
- Norfolk State University 5 miles
- Regent University 9 miles
- Christopher Newport University 18 miles
- Hampton University 13 miles
- Virginia Peninsula Community College 16 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Portsmouth
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk International Airport ORF | 9 mi | 2,444,897 |
| Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport PHF | 22 mi | 68,787 |
| Richmond International Airport RIC | 71 mi | 2,456,422 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Portsmouth
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Dominion University | 4 mi | 17,514 | $12,913 | 43% |
| ECPI University | 9 mi | 12,090 | $22,484 | n/a |
| Tidewater Community College | 3 mi | 12,082 | $11,681 | 32% |
| Norfolk State University | 5 mi | 5,392 | $12,180 | 35% |
| Regent University | 9 mi | 4,729 | $18,135 | 52% |
| Christopher Newport University | 18 mi | 4,365 | $22,310 | 75% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Portsmouth
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 16, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 14 and the first frost comes around November 26.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Norfolk NAS, VA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Portsmouth.
Wildfire smoke in Portsmouth
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Portsmouth on about 121 days a year, including about 18 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Portsmouth
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 40,288 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth City Public Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 12,905 | 23 | 13.7 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Virginia Beach City Public Schools (64,731 students), Chesapeake City Public Schools (40,607 students), Norfolk City Public Schools (26,807 students), Newport News City Public Schools (25,882 students), Suffolk City Public Schools (14,565 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Portsmouth's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Portsmouth's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Gastonia, NC82% matchCompare
- Rock Hill, SC79% matchCompare
- Knoxville, TN73% matchCompare
- Columbia, SC72% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Portsmouth
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Portsmouth
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Portsmouth County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Portsmouth report card from locals
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Portsmouth through locals' eyes
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Cities near Portsmouth
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA | 7 mi | 231,013 | $289,900 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Chesapeake, VA | 7 mi | 255,332 | $378,400 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Suffolk, VA | 12 mi | 104,699 | $347,400 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Hampton, VA | 15 mi | 137,315 | $245,700 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 18 mi | 453,737 | $382,500 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Newport News, VA | 24 mi | 183,230 | $260,600 | 97.9 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Portsmouth ranks 9th of 10 in our best suburbs of Virginia Beach ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Portsmouth with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Portsmouth a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate. Compare Portsmouth side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Portsmouth?
The Census Bureau estimates Portsmouth had 96,777 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 97,944 in April 2020 (-1.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Portsmouth?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,500 in the Portsmouth area. The median household here earns $60,491.
When is the best time to visit Portsmouth?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 89°F and January 50°F for daytime highs.
What county is Portsmouth in?
Portsmouth is in Portsmouth city, Virginia. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Portsmouth in?
Portsmouth is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Portsmouth?
Close to sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Virginia have a state income tax?
Yes. Virginia has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Portsmouth. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Norfolk NAS, VA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.