Portsmouth, VA Census Data
The 10th largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Portsmouth is the 10th largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 16th of 17 for median household income. With 97,299 residents, its poverty rate of 17.6% ranks among the higher rates in Virginia. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
97,299
48.0% male · 52.0% female
Median Age
35.8
2.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$58,972
$19,566 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
23.2%
11.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.2%
Poverty Rate
17.6%
5.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.6%
Broadband Access
94.0%
4.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$229,400
Median rent: $1,266 · 57% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
Labor force participation: 54.0%
Per Capita Income
$40,239
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
12.2%
Disability rate: 15.9%
How Portsmouth Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 10th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 16th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 14th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 17th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 15th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Portsmouth, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Portsmouth, VA?
The population of Portsmouth, VA is 97,299 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.8 years.
What is the median household income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth, VA is $58,972, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $40,239.
What is the poverty rate in Portsmouth?
The poverty rate in Portsmouth, VA is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Portsmouth residents have a college degree?
23.2% of adults (25+) in Portsmouth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth, VA is $229,400. Median rent is $1,266 per month, with 57% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Portsmouth?
Portsmouth's population is 36.9% White, 51.7% Black, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Portsmouth rank among Virginia cities?
Portsmouth is the 10th largest city in Virginia by population, the 16th highest for median household income, the 14th lowest for poverty rate, the 17th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Portsmouth?
The unemployment rate in Portsmouth, VA is 6.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.0%. Per capita income is $40,239.
Cities Similar to Portsmouth
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.