Portsmouth, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Portsmouth, Virginia is 97,299 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $58,972, the median home value is $229,400, and the median age is 35.8.
The population has grown 1.1% since 2010 (95,451 → 96,482).
97,299
Population
2922
People / sq mi
$58,972
Median Income
$229,400
Median Home Value
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Portsmouth covers 33.3 sq mi of land at 2922 people per square mile.
About Portsmouth, VA
The poverty rate is what most separates Portsmouth from the typical city: 14.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 97,299 residents, Portsmouth is a city in Virginia. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Virginia in the country, at #10 by population.
The typical household earns $58,972, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.7%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $229,400, with typical rent around $1,266.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 23.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 7.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Portsmouth: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Portsmouth city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Portsmouth city had a population of 95,451 in 2010 and 96,482 in 2024, a 1.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 97,997 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.08%.
96,482
Population (2024)
95,451
Population (2010)
97,997
Peak (2020)
0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 95,451 |
| 2011 | 95,748 |
| 2012 | 96,480 |
| 2013 | 96,075 |
| 2014 | 95,829 |
| 2015 | 96,336 |
| 2016 | 95,165 |
| 2017 | 94,838 |
| 2018 | 94,750 |
| 2019 | 94,398 |
| 2020 | 97,997 |
| 2021 | 97,700 |
| 2022 | 96,989 |
| 2023 | 96,782 |
| 2024 | 96,482 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.9% |
| Black or African American | 51.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$58,972
Median Household Income
$32,915
Per Capita Income
14.7%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$229,400
Median Home Value
$1,266
Median Rent
56.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.2%
High School+
23.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
73.1%
Public Transit
7.9%
Work From Home
23.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.6%
Foreign Born
95.3%
Non-English at Home
12.2%
Veterans
15.9%
With Disability
93.4%
Health Insurance
94.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 23.3% |
| Manufacturing | 12.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.7% |
| Public Administration | 7.7% |
| Retail Trade | 6.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.4% |
| Construction | 6.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.6% |
| Information | 5.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Portsmouth, Virginia has a population of 97,299 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest city in Virginia.
The median household income in Portsmouth, Virginia is $58,972, with 14.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Portsmouth, Virginia is $229,400, with median monthly rent at $1,266 and a homeownership rate of 56.9%.
The median age in Portsmouth, Virginia is 35.8 years. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The population has grown 1.1% since 2010 (95,451 → 96,482).
Portsmouth city, VA Climate
Portsmouth city, VA has an average annual temperature of 15.6°C (60°F) and receives about 1204 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.6°C
Avg Temp
1204
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 101 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 92 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 104 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 102 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 101 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 133 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 127 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 110 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 89 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 77 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 87 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Portsmouth city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Portsmouth city, VA are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Portsmouth
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.