Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, VA
Considering a move to Portsmouth, VA? This vibrant city of nearly 98,000 offers affordable housing with a median home price around $211,500 and average rents near $1,250. Residents enjoy a mild climate, short average commutes of 24 minutes, and access to quality healthcare and colleges. While crime rates are higher than average, Portsmouth boasts a diverse community, plenty of sunny days, and reasonable living costs—making it a practical choice for those seeking value and a coastal Virginia lifestyle.
Demographics - Portsmouth, VA
Demographics - Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth is home to nearly 98,000 residents, with a majority African American population and a median age of 36.7 years. The city is moderately dense and has a balanced gender ratio, offering a diverse and vibrant community with about 6.5% of residents speaking languages other than English.
Population:
97,915
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
37.4%
Black:
52.6%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, VA?
Portsmouth offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of approximately $211,500 and average monthly rent around $1,250. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals relocating to coastal Virginia.
Median House Value:
$211,500
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,515
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.4
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
82.1
Utilities:
105.6
Transportation:
99.7
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Portsmouth, VA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Portsmouth are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 699 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,742 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 143 chance of experiencing violent crime, so those moving here should consider local safety measures and neighborhood selection.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
699
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,742
Crime Index:
4,441
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 143
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 27
Weather
What is the weather like in Portsmouth, VA year-round?
Portsmouth enjoys a mild climate, with winters averaging lows in the low 30s and summer highs reaching the upper 80s. The city sees about 62% sunny days and receives nearly 48 inches of annual rainfall, creating a comfortable environment for outdoor living most of the year.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Portsmouth have a median household income of about $57,100 and a poverty rate of 17.2%. Most adults have completed high school, with nearly one in five holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the average commute is a manageable 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$57,100
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$45,200
Income Female:
$38,300
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.5%
Commute Time:
23.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.0%
Education
How are the schools in Portsmouth, VA?
Portsmouth offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools with reasonable student-to-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Tidewater Community College and is just a short distance from Norfolk State University, providing accessible higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Churchland High School
Street:
4301 Cedar Ln
Phone:
757-686-2500
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Douglass Park Elementary School
Street:
100 Cedar Ln
Phone:
757-393-8787
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Portsmouth Catholic Regional School
Street:
2301 Oregon Ave
Phone:
757-488-6744
Students:
370
Colleges
Name:
Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth Campus)
City:
Portsmouth
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
Norfolk State University
City:
Norfolk
State:
VA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Portsmouth provides excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth serving the community. About 91% of residents have health insurance, and the city has a slightly above-average number of physicians per capita.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
Address:
3636 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Phone:
(757) 398-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Address:
620 John Paul Jones Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23708
Phone:
(757) 953-5000
Type:
Military/General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, VA?
The housing market in Portsmouth is accessible, with median home prices around $211,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,250. Just over half of residents own their homes, and the area sees steady appreciation and a moderate vacancy rate, making it an appealing location for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$211,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Portsmouth residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles located at 6400 Bickford Parkway, providing convenient access to vehicle registration and licensing services. The DMV offers comprehensive support and resources through its local office and online portal.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6400 Bickford Parkway, Portsmouth, VA 23703
Phone:
804-497-7100
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.