CountyScore

Portsmouth city

Virginia · VA

#122 in Virginia
61.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Portsmouth city, Virginia

Portsmouth tops national median

Portsmouth's composite score of 62.0 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of all U.S. counties. This 24% advantage reflects a community that outperforms most peers on livability fundamentals, despite incomplete data for safety, health, schools, and environmental factors.

Below Virginia average, room to improve

Portsmouth scores 62.0 compared to Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it in the lower half of the Commonwealth's counties. The gap of 8.3 points reflects challenges beyond tax and housing that typical Virginia localities handle more effectively.

Tax burden and housing remain competitive

Portsmouth excels with a tax score of 72.2 and a cost score of 64.3, offering an effective tax rate of just 1.069% and median rent at $1,266 monthly. These dimensions make the city financially accessible compared to many peer Virginia communities.

Income levels lag significantly

The income score of 21.9 is Portsmouth's clear weakness, with median household income of $58,972—well below both state and national standards. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors mean the full livability picture remains incomplete.

Right for budget-conscious workers

Portsmouth suits individuals and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes or extensive amenities. Current data suggests it's best for those established in lower-income sectors or retirees seeking financial efficiency.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax72.2Cost64.3SafetyComing SoonHealth64.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.9Risk46WaterComing Soon
🏛72.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Portsmouth city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sutter County
California
61.4
Median income: $75,450
Hall County
Georgia
61.4
Median income: $77,430
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
61.4
Median income: $71,446
Geary County
Kansas
61.4
Median income: $57,344
Oakland County
Michigan
61.4
Median income: $95,296

Deep Dives

Portsmouth city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Portsmouth city

via TaxByCounty

Portsmouth's property taxes: above the national norm

Portsmouth's effective tax rate of 1.069% exceeds the national median of 0.85%, placing it in the higher-taxing tier of American cities. The median property tax bill here is $2,452, slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Portsmouth's lower median home value of $229,400 compared to the national $281,900.

Well above Virginia's average tax burden

At 1.069%, Portsmouth's effective tax rate is 59% higher than Virginia's state average of 0.671%. Among Virginia jurisdictions, Portsmouth ranks among the highest-taxing cities, where residents pay $2,452 annually versus the state median of $1,960.

Portsmouth leads the regional tax comparison

Portsmouth's 1.069% rate significantly outpaces nearby Virginia cities including Radford (0.703%) and neighboring counties. Only Prince William County (0.981%) approaches Portsmouth's burden in the broader region, making Portsmouth a notably tax-heavy jurisdiction for the Tidewater area.

Your annual Portsmouth property tax bill

On a median home valued at $229,400, Portsmouth homeowners pay approximately $2,452 per year in property taxes. Whether you have a mortgage or own outright, that translates to roughly $204 monthly, with slight variations depending on your financing status.

Your assessment might be too high

Many Portsmouth homeowners are overassessed relative to their property's actual market value. If your annual tax bill feels steep, you may qualify for a free assessment appeal to contest your valuation and reduce your burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Portsmouth city

via CostByCounty

Portsmouth rents strain household budgets

Portsmouth residents spend 25.8% of their income on rent, well above the national sweet spot of roughly 20–25%. This ratio—among the highest in Virginia—reflects a fundamental mismatch: median household income here is $58,972, nearly $16,000 below the national median of $74,755, while median rent sits at $1,266 per month.

One of Virginia's least affordable cities

Portsmouth's rent-to-income ratio of 25.8% far exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's least affordable communities. The median rent of $1,266 also runs $126 above the state average, compounding pressure on renters here.

Pricier than Prince Edward County

Portsmouth renters pay $1,266 monthly compared to $898 in nearby Prince Edward County—a difference of $368 per month or 41% higher costs. Despite being across the region, Prince Edward's lower rent-to-income ratio (19.6% vs 25.8%) makes it significantly more accessible for renters with modest incomes.

Housing dominates the household budget

Renters in Portsmouth spend $1,266 monthly on gross rent, while homeowners face $1,378 in monthly owner costs on a median home value of $229,400. With median household income at $58,972 annually ($4,914 monthly), housing alone consumes a quarter or more of what most households earn.

Considering Portsmouth? Compare carefully.

If affordability matters in your relocation decision, Portsmouth's 25.8% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter budgets than state averages. Explore nearby alternatives like Prince Edward or Pulaski counties, where rent-to-income ratios dip below 20%, before committing to the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Portsmouth city

via IncomeByCounty

Portsmouth's income lags national average

Portsmouth's median household income of $58,972 falls 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the city among lower-income areas nationally. While this reflects economic challenges, it also signals opportunities for wage growth and economic development in the region.

Below Virginia's income benchmark

Portsmouth's median household income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $15,985, ranking the city in the lower portion of Virginia's 133 counties and cities. The income gap underscores distinct economic conditions between Portsmouth and wealthier Northern Virginia and Suburban communities.

Portsmouth earns less than nearby cities

Portsmouth ($58,972) earns 11% less than Radford ($52,791) and significantly less than regional hub Prince George County ($88,225). The variation reflects different economic bases—Portsmouth's maritime and port economy differs from nearby manufacturing and government-anchored areas.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Portsmouth residents spend 25.8% of income on rent, slightly above the national ideal of 25%, while median home values of $229,400 are accessible relative to local incomes. This balance suggests housing is neither a severe burden nor an obstacle for most households.

Build wealth despite modest income

Portsmouth households earning $58,972 annually have room to invest 10–15% in retirement accounts and savings plans—totaling $5,900–$8,800 yearly. Starting early with employer matches and low-cost index funds compounds significantly over decades, even on moderate incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Portsmouth city

via HealthByCounty

Portsmouth lags on life expectancy

At 70.5 years, Portsmouth's life expectancy falls 5.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, signaling serious health challenges in the city. Nearly one in five residents (21.1%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17.3%, indicating widespread health struggles.

Lowest life expectancy in Virginia

Portsmouth ranks last among Virginia counties and cities, with a life expectancy 4.6 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The city's 21.1% poor/fair health rate far exceeds Virginia's average, placing it among the state's most health-challenged communities.

Neighboring cities show better outcomes

Radford (74.8 years) and Roanoke region counties significantly outpace Portsmouth despite similar urban challenges. Portsmouth's life expectancy gap widens further when compared to rural Virginia counties like Powhatan (77.9 years) and Prince George (78.9 years).

Mental health providers abundant, primary care scarce

Portsmouth has strong mental health support with 348 providers per 100,000 residents—well above the state norm—but only 60 primary care providers per 100,000. With a 7.0% uninsured rate, residents have better insurance coverage than the state average of 7.9%, yet access to routine care remains constrained.

Check your coverage options today

Even with above-average insurance rates, gaps remain that could worsen health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to ensure you have comprehensive coverage and understand your preventive care benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Portsmouth city

via RiskByCounty

Portsmouth faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 54.0, Portsmouth ranks as relatively low overall—but well above the national median. The city's risk profile is driven by significant hurricane (86.6) and earthquake (64.9) exposure, making it more vulnerable than average American communities.

Among Virginia's riskiest cities

Portsmouth's composite score of 54.0 places it above Virginia's state average of 33.3, making it one of the state's higher-risk jurisdictions. This elevated profile reflects the city's coastal position and proximity to major seismic zones.

Significantly riskier than inland peers

Portsmouth's risk score of 54.0 far exceeds nearby Powhatan County (21.1) and Prince George County (13.9), which benefit from inland locations. The city's waterfront geography creates distinct hazards compared to neighboring rural counties.

Hurricanes and earthquakes pose top threats

Portsmouth's hurricane risk of 86.6 is exceptionally high, reflecting coastal storm exposure that can bring surge, flooding, and wind damage. Earthquake risk at 64.9 also warrants serious attention, as seismic events could impact infrastructure and buildings throughout the city.

Prioritize comprehensive coverage today

Homeowners and renters in Portsmouth should verify that standard homeowners insurance covers hurricane and windstorm damage—many policies require separate riders. Given earthquake exposure, consider adding earthquake coverage to protect your property and savings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.