Portsmouth

Portsmouth, Virginia Overview

Portsmouth faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (41.2/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Virginia. Even so, the city scores 72/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 20/100.

Income & Employment in Portsmouth

The median household income in Portsmouth is $57,109, 34% below the statewide median of $87,106. The local unemployment rate of 3.8% is higher than the state’s 2.9%. Population declined 0.3%.

Safety in Portsmouth

With a violent crime rate of 832.9 per 100,000, Portsmouth exceeds the Virginia average of 201. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4700.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Portsmouth

Portsmouth has a cost of living index of 97.4 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $229,400. Median monthly rent is $1,266.

Health & Wellness in Portsmouth

The adult obesity rate in Portsmouth is 40.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 16.1%. Residents report an average of 19.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Virginia ranks #12 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Portsmouth

Portsmouth has a high school graduation rate of 86%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.4:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,888. The city has 22 public schools serving 13,161 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Portsmouth

Portsmouth enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 58.8°F. Summers average 75°F. Winters average 44.4°F. Annual precipitation is 43 inches.

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