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.
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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.