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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Portsmouth and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Portsmouth before you move.

Moving Help for Your Portsmouth, RI Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Portsmouth move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Portsmouth, RI Piano Movers Portsmouth, RI Cheap Movers Portsmouth, RI Small Movers Portsmouth, RI Apartment Movers Portsmouth, RI Long Distance Movers Portsmouth, RI

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, RI

Considering a move to Portsmouth, RI? This welcoming community of 17,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $518,000 and average rents near $1,750. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% 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 17,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 48 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 2% 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
17,800
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?

The cost of living in Portsmouth is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 129.5. Median home values are around $518,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,750. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 63 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 108. 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
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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
25°F
Max
40°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $108,900 and a low poverty rate of 5.6%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 52% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Portsmouth High School and Howard Hathaway School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.0 per 1,000 people and 96.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $518,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 81%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.9%. Portsmouth offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

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 Avenue, 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 17,800, median home value $518,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,750, commute time 25.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

Ready to Move to Portsmouth, RI?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes