Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, RI
Planning a move to Portsmouth, RI? This scenic coastal town of 17,800 offers a peaceful lifestyle with a higher cost of living and a median home price around $518,000. Residents enjoy very low crime rates, quality public schools, and a highly educated community—over half hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Commutes are manageable at just over 25 minutes, and the climate features pleasant summers and 56% sunny days a year, making Portsmouth a welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Portsmouth, RI
Demographics - Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth is a close-knit community of about 17,800 residents, with a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, with over 92% of residents identifying as such, and about 7% are non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming but primarily English-speaking environment. Population density is moderate, offering a balance of neighborhood feel and open space.
Population:
17,800
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, RI?
Living in Portsmouth comes with a higher cost of living index of 129.5, driven largely by a median home value of $518,000 and average rent around $1,750. Utilities and groceries also trend above national averages, making the area best suited for those seeking a comfortable coastal lifestyle with the means to match. State income taxes range from 3.75% to 5.99%, which is worth considering for potential residents.
Median House Value:
$518,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
3.75%
|
High:
5.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
129.5
Grocery:
112.4
Housing:
149.2
Utilities:
118.3
Transportation:
113.2
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Portsmouth, RI a safe place to live?
Portsmouth boasts a notably low crime rate, with only 63 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 108. The town's safe environment is a major draw for families and retirees looking for peace of mind. Residents enjoy a strong sense of security throughout the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
63
Property Crimes Per 100k:
923
Crime Index:
986
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,587
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 108
Weather
What is the weather like in Portsmouth, RI year-round?
Portsmouth experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 80°F and winters dipping to around 25°F. The area receives about 46 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys approximately 56% sunny days, offering pleasant weather for outdoor recreation. Seasonal changes add to the town's coastal charm.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Portsmouth enjoy a median household income of $108,900 and a low poverty rate of 5.6%, reflecting a prosperous and stable community. Most neighbors are highly educated, with over 97% holding at least a high school diploma and more than half earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area features low unemployment and a typical commute time of about 25 minutes.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$108,900
Family Income:
$124,400
Per Capita Income:
$53,900
Income Male:
$62,500
Income Female:
$47,000
Poverty Rate:
5.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
51.8%
Education
How are the schools in Portsmouth, RI?
Portsmouth offers strong educational opportunities, with well-rated public schools and a student-teacher ratio around 12:1. Families also have access to respected private schools and nearby colleges, such as Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University, both within a short drive. The community values education, as reflected in its high rate of college-educated residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Portsmouth High School
Street:
120 Education Ln
Phone:
401-683-2124
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Name:
Howard Hathaway School
Street:
53 Tallman Ave
Phone:
401-683-0500
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Private Schools
Name:
Portsmouth Abbey School
Street:
285 Corys Ln
Phone:
401-683-2000
Students:
340
Colleges
Name:
Salve Regina University
City:
Newport
State:
RI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,800
Name:
Roger Williams University
City:
Bristol
State:
RI
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
4,400
Healthcare
Portsmouth residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Newport Hospital and Miriam Hospital nearby and 96% of the population covered by health insurance. The area provides a strong physician presence, with 3 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring timely medical care. Healthcare services are comprehensive and convenient for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Newport Hospital
Address:
11 Friendship St, Newport, RI 02840
Phone:
(401) 846-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Miriam Hospital
Address:
164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906
Phone:
(401) 793-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, RI?
The housing market in Portsmouth is competitive, with a median home price of $518,000 and owner occupancy rates above 80%. Rental options are limited but stable, with an average two-bedroom rent around $1,750 and a low vacancy rate of under 4%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% over the past year, reflecting strong demand in this coastal community.
Median Home Price:
$518,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Portsmouth residents are served by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Cranston. The DMV provides essential services like driver's licensing and vehicle registration, and can be reached at 1-401-462-4368 or online at dmv.ri.gov. Access to DMV services is straightforward for new and current residents.
State:
Rhode Island
Department:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone:
1-401-462-4368
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.