Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, NH
Considering relocating to Portsmouth, NH? With a population of around 22,000, Portsmouth combines New England charm with a vibrant downtown, top-rated schools, and a strong job market. The median home price sits at $650,000 and average rent is $2,200, reflecting the city’s popularity. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (116 per 100K), short 20-minute commutes, and high educational attainment. Portsmouth’s coastal climate brings cool winters, mild summers, and over 54% sunny days annually—making it a lively, welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Portsmouth, NH
Demographics - Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth has a population of about 22,277, with a median age of 43.6 and a population density that offers a balanced urban feel. The community is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, while just under 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is nearly even, contributing to the city’s diverse yet tight-knit atmosphere.
Population:
22,277
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.6
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.8%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, NH?
Living in Portsmouth means higher than average expenses, with a median home value of $650,000 and average rent around $2,200 per month. The cost of living index is 129.2, reflecting higher housing and utility costs compared to national averages. However, state income taxes remain low, which helps offset some expenses for residents.
Median House Value:
$650,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
129.2
Grocery:
114.5
Housing:
157.0
Utilities:
110.7
Transportation:
113.2
Health Care:
118.5
Miscellaneous:
109.5
Crime
Is Portsmouth, NH a safe place to live?
Portsmouth boasts a low violent crime rate of 116 incidents per 100,000, giving residents a strong sense of safety. Property crime is more common but still moderate, with a 1 in 69 chance annually. Overall, the city offers a safe environment for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
116
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,566
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 862
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Portsmouth, NH year-round?
Portsmouth experiences the full range of New England seasons, with cold winters (lows near 16°F) and pleasantly warm summers (highs up to 80°F). The city receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. This coastal climate provides residents with a refreshing mix of seasonal activities and scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Portsmouth residents enjoy a median household income of $96,500 and a low unemployment rate of 2.4%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 60% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and commute times average just over 20 minutes. Low poverty rates and a vibrant local economy make for a prosperous neighborhood environment.
Median Income:
$47,500
Household Income:
$96,500
Family Income:
$120,200
Per Capita Income:
$61,100
Income Male:
$65,000
Income Female:
$58,000
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
20.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.3%
Bachelors or More:
59.6%
Education
How are the schools in Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth is served by well-regarded public schools, such as Portsmouth High School and Little Harbour School, known for low student-teacher ratios and strong academic programs. The city also offers private education options and is home to Great Bay Community College, with the University of New Hampshire just 13 miles away. This ensures families have access to excellent educational opportunities from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Portsmouth High School
Street:
50 Andrew Jarvis Dr
Phone:
603-436-7100
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
Little Harbour School
Street:
50 Clough Dr
Phone:
603-436-1708
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Patrick Academy
Street:
315 Banfield Rd
Phone:
603-436-0739
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Great Bay Community College
City:
Portsmouth
State:
NH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
University of New Hampshire
City:
Durham
State:
NH
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
15,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Portsmouth is robust, anchored by Portsmouth Regional Hospital and nearby Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for comprehensive care and emergency services. The city offers a high ratio of physicians (3.2 per 1,000 residents) and health insurance coverage stands at nearly 95%. Residents benefit from accessible, quality medical services within the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Address:
333 Borthwick Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone:
(603) 436-5110
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (nearby)
Address:
789 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820
Phone:
(603) 742-5252
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
76.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $650,000 and strong demand keeping the rental vacancy rate low at 3.2%. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.1% in the past year. The city’s desirable coastal location continues to drive both home values and rental prices.
Median Home Price:
$650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Portsmouth residents are managed by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Concord. The DMV offers comprehensive licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with helpful resources available online and by phone. Residents can access up-to-date information and convenient service locations for all their DMV needs.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
1-603-227-4000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.