Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, OH
Considering a move to Portsmouth, OH? With a population of about 18,250, Portsmouth offers affordable living—median home prices are just $90,300 and average rent is $700. Commute times are short (16 minutes), and the city is home to Shawnee State University and Southern Ohio Medical Center. While crime rates are higher than average, Portsmouth features a friendly small-town vibe, four-season climate, and easy access to schools and healthcare. Explore the cost of living, housing market, education, and more below!
Demographics - Portsmouth, OH
Demographics - Portsmouth, OH
Portsmouth, OH is a small city of about 18,250 residents, with a median age of 38 and a population density of 2,300 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a modest proportion of other ethnic groups and around 2.7% non-English speakers, reflecting a close-knit, primarily English-speaking environment.
Population:
18,252
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.1%
Black:
4.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, OH?
Living in Portsmouth is notably affordable, with a median home value of just $90,300 and average rent at $700 per month. The overall cost of living index sits well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$90,300
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$925
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
4.8%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.2
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
42.2
Utilities:
101.6
Transportation:
83.7
Health Care:
92.6
Miscellaneous:
97.3
Crime
Is Portsmouth, OH a safe place to live?
Portsmouth experiences higher-than-average property and violent crime rates, with a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a property crime victim. Residents should be proactive about safety, but many still find the city's small-town atmosphere appealing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
273
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,789
Crime Index:
3,062
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 366
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Portsmouth, OH year-round?
Portsmouth enjoys a classic four-season climate, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and chilly winters dipping to 24°F. The city receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine on just over half the days each year.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Households in Portsmouth tend to have lower median incomes, with a notable poverty rate of nearly 29%, but the area is known for its strong sense of community and short average commute times of just 16 minutes. Most residents have completed high school, and public transport use is minimal, reflecting a car-friendly town.
Median Income:
$22,200
Household Income:
$38,700
Family Income:
$47,300
Per Capita Income:
$20,300
Income Male:
$31,100
Income Female:
$24,700
Poverty Rate:
28.9%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.5%
Bachelors or More:
14.6%
Education
How are the schools in Portsmouth, OH?
Education in Portsmouth features local public schools with manageable class sizes and a selection of private options, plus the presence of Shawnee State University offering higher education right in town. Families appreciate the accessible schooling and opportunities for continuing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Portsmouth High School
Street:
1225 Gallia St
Phone:
740-354-2502
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Portsmouth Elementary School
Street:
1401 17th St
Phone:
740-354-2344
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame High School
Street:
2220 Sunrise Ave
Phone:
740-353-2354
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Shawnee State University
City:
Portsmouth
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is reliable, thanks to Southern Ohio Medical Center and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.5%. With almost two physicians per 1,000 residents, Portsmouth provides solid healthcare support for its population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southern Ohio Medical Center
Address:
1805 27th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
Phone:
(740) 356-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, OH?
Portsmouth's housing market offers affordable options, with a median home price of $90,300 and average two-bedroom rent at $700. Just over half of residents own their homes, and the market remains stable with a moderate appreciation rate.
Median Home Price:
$90,300
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Portsmouth residents are served by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which provides driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other essential services both online and at nearby regional offices.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
451 West Third Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
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.