Rhode Island / Bristol County

Moving to Portsmouth, RI

Thinking of making a move to Portsmouth, RI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, RI

Considering a move to Portsmouth, RI? This welcoming community of 17,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $620,000 and average rents near $2,050. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portsmouth's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portsmouth, RI

Portsmouth has a population of 17,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 50 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 87% White, 4% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
17,600
Density
600 per sq mi
Median Age
49.5
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.5%
Black
4.0%
Asian
2.2%
Others
7.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, RI?

The cost of living in Portsmouth is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 132.4. Median home values are around $620,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$620,000
Gross Rent
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 3.75%| High: 5.99%
Cost Of Living Index
132.4
Grocery
118.0
Housing
165.0
Utilities
121.5
Transportation
109.6
Health Care
112.8
Miscellaneous
107.9

Crime

Is Portsmouth, RI a safe place to live?

Portsmouth is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 112 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Rhode Island.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
112
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,180
Crime Index
1,292
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 893
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

What is the weather like in Portsmouth, RI year-round?

Portsmouth experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $104,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 42% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$54,500
Household Income
$104,000
Family Income
$123,000
Per Capita Income
$46,500
Income Male
$57,500
Income Female
$47,500
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Non English Speakers
8.9%
Rent
$2,050
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
4.1%
Commute Time
27.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.5%
Bachelors or More
41.8%

Education

How are the schools in Portsmouth, RI?

Portsmouth offers quality education options, with public schools like Portsmouth High School and Portsmouth Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Community College of Rhode Island - Newport County Campus and Salve Regina University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Portsmouth High School
Street
1300 Turnpike Ave
Phone
401-683-2124
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5
Name
Portsmouth Middle School
Street
125 Wapping Rd
Phone
401-683-2161
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8

Private Schools

Name
Middletown Christian Academy
Street
35 Wyatt Rd
Phone
401-847-8315
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Community College of Rhode Island - Newport County Campus
City
Middletown
State
RI
Distance
8 miles
Students
5,000
Name
Salve Regina University
City
Newport
State
RI
Distance
11 miles
Students
2,700

Healthcare

Portsmouth residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Middletown Medical Center and Newport Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Middletown Medical Center
Address
Welcome Ave, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone
(401) 842-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Newport Hospital
Address
11 Friendship St, Newport, RI 02840
Phone
(401) 846-6400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, RI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $620,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.8%. Portsmouth offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Portsmouth handle vehicle services through the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Cranston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Rhode Island
Department
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone
1-401-462-4368

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.

FAQs About Moving to Portsmouth, RI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portsmouth, review the core fields on this page: population 17,600, median home value $620,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,050, commute time 27.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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