Portsmouth city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Virginia
The population of Portsmouth city, Virginia is 97,299 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county 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 of Portsmouth city has grown 1.1% since 2010 (95,457 → 96,482), a +0.08% annualized rate.
97,299
Population
+0.08%
Annual growth
2922
People / sq mi
$58,972
Median Income
$229,400
Median Home Value
Portsmouth city covers 33 sq mi of land at 2921.8 people per square mile.
About Portsmouth city, VA
What distinguishes Portsmouth city is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 2,922 people per square mile. With 97,299 residents, Portsmouth city is a county in Virginia. It ranks #20 among counties in Virginia by population.
The typical household here earns about $58,972, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $229,400, with typical rent around $1,266.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Portsmouth city: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Portsmouth city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Portsmouth city had a population of 95,457 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)
95,457
Population (2010)
97,997
Peak (2020)
0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 95,457 |
| 2011 | 95,767 |
| 2012 | 96,516 |
| 2013 | 96,123 |
| 2014 | 95,886 |
| 2015 | 96,407 |
| 2016 | 95,287 |
| 2017 | 94,964 |
| 2018 | 94,879 |
| 2019 | 94,582 |
| 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% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
15.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 15.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,972$-32,002 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,280 |
| Per-capita income | $32,915 |
| Poverty rate | 14.7%+7.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Portsmouth city is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.3%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
73.1%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
23.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$229,400$-131,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,266
Median rent
56.9%
Homeownership rate
43,233
Total housing units
91.8%
Occupied
8.2%
Vacant
43.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
31.6%
Foreign-born
12.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.2%
High School+
23.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Portsmouth city, Virginia has a population of 97,299 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 2922 people per square mile.
The population of Portsmouth city has grown 1.1% since 2010 (95,457 → 96,482), a +0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Portsmouth city, Virginia is $58,972, with mean (average) household income of $77,280 and per-capita income of $32,915. 14.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Portsmouth city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (51.7%), White (36.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Portsmouth city, Virginia is 35.8 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Portsmouth city is $229,400 and median monthly rent is $1,266. 56.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 43,233 total housing units, 8.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Portsmouth city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Portsmouth city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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 city
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
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.