countyscore
26.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 68.9Lawn Care 59.5Disaster Risk 46

County Report Card

About Portsmouth city, Virginia

Portsmouth Trails National Averages

Portsmouth city holds a composite score of 26.7, placing it significantly below the national median score of 50.0. This score indicates that the city faces greater overall livability challenges than the typical American community.

Falling Short of Virginia’s High Standards

The city’s score of 26.7 is nearly half of the Virginia state average of 50.9. Within the Commonwealth, Portsmouth struggles to keep pace with neighboring jurisdictions in terms of overall composite performance.

Resilience and Education Lead Portsmouth’s Scores

The city’s highest marks come from its environmental risk score of 46.0 and a school score of 44.4. While water data is currently unavailable, these dimensions provide the most stable foundation for the city’s current ranking.

Critical Safety and Affordability Barriers

Portsmouth faces a significant hurdle with a safety score of 1.3 and a cost score of 12.4. A median rent of $1,266 per month creates a high cost burden relative to the area's income score of 35.4.

A City for Resilient Urban Dwellers

Portsmouth best suits individuals who value urban proximity and have stable employment in the region's industrial or military sectors. The city is a work in progress, requiring residents to prioritize its educational and environmental scores over immediate safety and cost concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax33.2Cost12.4Safety1.3Health38.9Schools44.4Income35.4Risk46WaterComing SoonWeather68.9
🏛33.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Portsmouth city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Portsmouth city

via CrimeByCounty

Portsmouth Faces High Local Crime Rates

Portsmouth city has a safety score of 90.8, which is lower than the national average. The total crime rate of 5,815.1 per 100K is more than double the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Trends vs Virginia Benchmarks

Portsmouth's crime rate is more than three times the Virginia state average of 1,728.8 per 100K. Single-agency data indicates that the city faces significant public safety challenges compared to the state average score of 97.3.

A Stark Contrast to Neighboring Poquoson

Compared to Poquoson city’s rate of 721.2, Portsmouth sees over eight times the amount of total crime per 100K. This creates a stark safety contrast between adjacent jurisdictions in the same region.

Property Crime Dominates Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary driver of these statistics, reaching 4,934.1 per 100K. Violent crime also remains elevated at 881.0, which is nearly four times the Virginia average.

Enhanced Home Security for Portsmouth Residents

Residents should prioritize comprehensive home security to mitigate the risks of property crime. Using monitored alarm systems and security cameras is essential for urban safety in this high-activity area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Portsmouth city

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Urban Education in Portsmouth

Portsmouth city features a robust education network of 24 public schools serving 13,371 students. The landscape is built on 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools, alongside 5 specialized centers. This single-district system provides a wide variety of educational settings within a compact urban area.

Competitive Results in an Urban Setting

The city maintains an 86% graduation rate, which sits just one point below the national average of 87%. Portsmouth invests $7,882 per pupil, a figure very close to the state average of $7,941, though below the national $13,000 benchmark. These investments result in a composite school score of 53.3, keeping pace with broader state trends.

One District Serving the Entire City

Portsmouth City Public Schools is the sole district, managing the education of all 13,371 local students. There are no charter schools in the city, with the district focusing on its 24 traditional and alternative campuses. Churchland High stands as the largest institution in the district, enrolling 1,435 students.

The True City School Experience

All 24 schools in Portsmouth are located in city locales, offering a truly urban educational environment. With an average school size of 608 students, the system offers both large high schools and mid-sized elementary campuses like Churchland Elementary. This setting provides students with a diverse, fast-paced environment and various extracurricular opportunities.

Urban Living Near Diverse Schools

If you are looking for a home in a vibrant city, Portsmouth offers plenty of real estate options within walking distance of local schools. Proximity to major campuses like Manor High can be a significant factor in choosing the right neighborhood for your family. Explore the city's residential pockets to find a home that balances urban convenience with educational access.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Portsmouth city

via SoilByCounty

Urban Landscapes Near the Elizabeth River

Portsmouth’s urban environment means its specific taxonomic soil data is not fully cataloged in the regional survey. Most of the city sits on heavily modified land that has been developed for centuries.

Variable Mixes in an Industrial Hub

Formal percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this urban center. In a city setting, soil composition often depends more on historical fill and local development patterns than natural geologic shifts.

Local Testing is Essential Here

There is currently no recorded data for organic matter or water capacity in this specific jurisdiction. Aspiring gardeners should consider a professional soil test to identify the unique nutrient profile of their city lot.

Engineered Drainage in a Port City

Dominant drainage classes are not listed, reflecting the highly engineered water management systems of an urban port. Proximity to the coast means the water table is often quite high regardless of the soil type.

Garden Success in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b provides a warm environment for heat-loving herbs and even small citrus in protected spots. Raised beds and container gardening are excellent ways to start growing in this urban maritime climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Portsmouth city

via LawnByCounty

A Coastal Advantage for Portsmouth Lawns

Portsmouth earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.5, making it easier to maintain a yard here than the national median of 50.0 and the Virginia average of 55.4. This hardiness zone 8b city offers a milder winter climate that supports a wider variety of grass species.

High Rainfall and Significant Coastal Heat

The city receives 49.4 inches of annual precipitation, which sits at the top end of the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. However, growers must manage 38 extreme heat days per year, significantly more than the state average of 28 days.

Localized Testing Essential for Soil Health

While specific county-wide soil texture and pH data are unavailable for Portsmouth, regional coastal soils often require careful monitoring. Homeowners should conduct individual soil tests to ensure they meet the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range for nutrient uptake.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dry Spells

Portsmouth experienced 9 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the city currently classified as abnormally dry. Residents can build resilience by watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth during these dry periods.

Embracing Warm-Season Success in Zone 8b

The mild hardiness zone 8b climate makes Portsmouth ideal for warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine. While frost date data is limited, gardeners should generally wait until the coastal air warms consistently in late spring before seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portsmouth city's county score?
Portsmouth city, Virginia has a composite county score of 26.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Portsmouth city rank among counties in Virginia?
Portsmouth city ranks #133 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Portsmouth city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Portsmouth city is $2,452, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Portsmouth city a tax score of 33.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Portsmouth city?
The median household income in Portsmouth city, Virginia is $58,972 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Portsmouth city earns an income score of 35.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Portsmouth city, Virginia a good place to live?
Portsmouth city scores 26.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #133 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Portsmouth city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Portsmouth city with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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