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Is Portsmouth a Good Place to Live? Portsmouth, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Portsmouth ranks #84 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #18 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #11 of 153) and high household income ($106,219, #36 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($688,500, #219 of 231) and high living costs (108.3, #215 of 230).
Portsmouth by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Portsmouth's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,869/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $797,662, 54% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Portsmouth | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $797,662#1052 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,068/mo#1043 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $688,500#1143 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,869/mo#1014 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 6.5x#1108 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Portsmouth housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Portsmouth is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Portsmouth safe?
Portsmouth recorded 203 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 73% above New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #364 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #71 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portsmouth Police Department. Property crime runs 1,140 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Portsmouth | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 203#364 of 1,085 | 118 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,140#281 of 1,085 | 818 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Portsmouth?
The median household in Portsmouth earns $106,219, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Portsmouth | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $106,219#275 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 6.8%#230 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.5% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Portsmouth?
The median resident of Portsmouth is 42.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 64% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #98 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Portsmouth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 64%#98 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 51.9% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Portsmouth's schools and health?
Portsmouth's 6 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11 students per teacher and $25,059 spent per pupil. 29.7% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Portsmouth | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11#32 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $25,059#62 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 29.7%#380 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 13.7%#108 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.2%#82 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,443 students are enrolled in Portsmouth's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Portsmouth?
The average commute in Portsmouth is 22.2 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 0.9% of workers take transit and 21.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Portsmouth scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 27°F, with 50.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Portsmouth | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22.2 min#520 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 68.6% | 72.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.1% | 2.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 21.9% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.6#729 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.6 | 16.3 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 35.6 | 17.6 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 43.3 | 25.3 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 55.8 | 34.8 | 4.6 |
| May | 66.1 | 44.8 | 4 |
| Jun | 75 | 54.1 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 80.5 | 60.1 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 79.4 | 58.8 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 71.8 | 51.7 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 59.7 | 40.5 | 5 |
| Nov | 48.1 | 31.2 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 37.8 | 22.3 | 4.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenland.
| Measure | Portsmouth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 27°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 50.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenland.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Portsmouth?
Rockingham County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rockingham County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
| Measure | Portsmouth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#525 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Rockingham County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Rockingham County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.019% | 91% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0023% | 78% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0071% | 73% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0071% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Portsmouth compare with similar-size cities?
Portsmouth is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #18 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,545.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #84 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 | 22.2 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #1276 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data | 29.3 min |
| Biddeford, MEPop. 22,498 | #446 | 59.1 | $72,333 | $1,292/mo | 264 | 23.7 min |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #758 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data | 24.1 min |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #812 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 | 19 min |
| Kapolei, HIPop. 22,232 | #248 | 63.3 | $128,324 | $2,311/mo | no data | 31.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Portsmouth compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Portsmouth ranks #4 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 68.9 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 6% above the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 73% above the statewide rate. Homes are 54% above the typical New Hampshire home.
| City | Rank in NH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #2 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #3 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #4 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #5 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #6 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro |
| Exeter, NHPop. 9,964 | #7 | 65.9 | $87,346 | $1,711/mo | county/metro |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #8 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #9 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 |
| Hampton, NHPop. 10,101 | #10 | 63.5 | $97,163 | $1,654/mo | county/metro |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #11 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 |
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #12 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #13 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #14 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #15 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #16 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #17 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #18 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #19 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #20 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 |
All 20 New Hampshire cities we track, by overall score. New Hampshire statewide: median income $99,782, violent crime 117.6 per 100,000.
How is Portsmouth's score calculated?
Portsmouth scores 68.9 out of 100, #84 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Hampshire's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Portsmouth. Similar-size median 41.9.
72.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Portsmouth's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
85.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Portsmouth. Similar-size median 56.5.
73.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Portsmouth's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
94.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Portsmouth's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
41.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Portsmouth. Similar-size median 50.8.
73.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Portsmouth. Similar-size median 35.2.
50.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Portsmouth. Similar-size median 48.3.
59.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Portsmouth's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
62.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Portsmouth's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Portsmouth has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Portsmouth
Is Portsmouth, NH a good place to live?
Portsmouth ranks #84 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #18 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #11 of 153) and high household income ($106,219, #36 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($688,500, #219 of 231) and high living costs (108.3, #215 of 230).
What is the cost of living in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,869/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $797,662, 54% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth recorded 203 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 73% above New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #364 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #71 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portsmouth Police Department. Property crime runs 1,140 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Portsmouth?
The median household in Portsmouth earns $106,219, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Portsmouth?
Median rent in Portsmouth is $1,869/mo (Census), #1014 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,068/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Portsmouth?
The typical home value in Portsmouth is $797,662, up 3.4% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $688,500.
How are the public schools in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth's 6 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11 students per teacher and $25,059 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Portsmouth?
The average commute is 22.2 minutes, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth averages 47.6°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 27°F in winter, with 50.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Portsmouth walkable?
Portsmouth scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Portsmouth at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rockingham County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Portsmouth?
Rockingham County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has 22,545 residents. The median resident of Portsmouth is 42.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 64% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #98 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Portsmouth compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Portsmouth ranks #4 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 68.9 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 6% above the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 73% above the statewide rate. Homes are 54% above the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Portsmouth?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Portsmouth's population of 22,545 are Radcliff, KY (#1183 overall), North Platte, NE (#945 overall), Central Falls, RI (#937 overall), Chalmette, LA (#1276 overall), and Biddeford, ME (#446 overall). Portsmouth is #84.