Portsmouth, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,728
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,713/yr
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,466
-0.5% year-over-year change

Portsmouth population

How many people live in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is home to 17,728 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Portsmouth locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
17,728
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
8,398
Female
52.6%
9,330
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,398 47.4% 0.0%
Female 9,330 52.6% -2.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Portsmouth is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 15.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
15.9%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,862 16.1% -5.8%
15 to 24 2,824 15.9% -6.9%
25 to 44 4,456 25.1% -0.2%
45 to 64 4,242 23.9% 5.0%
Over 65 3,344 18.9% 0.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Portsmouth, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.6% of locals are Caucasian, 3.5% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,288 97.5% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 198 1.1% -22.1%
Non-citizens 242 1.4% 36.7%
Racial breakdown
White
86.6%
Black or African American
3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 15,362 86.6%
Black or African American 628 3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.2%
Asian 240 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0.1%
Two or more races 1,173 6.6%
Other 280 1.6%

Households in Portsmouth

A peek inside Portsmouth households

Portsmouth has 7,334 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.5% are families, while the remaining 46.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,334
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,413
Family households
3,921
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,413 46.5% 0.8%
Family households 3,921 53.5% -0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Portsmouth

The housing landscape of Portsmouth

Portsmouth's housing consists of 8,466 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,466
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,927 70%
1 unit, attached 51 0.6%
2 units 395 4.7%
3 or 4 units 329 3.9%
5 to 9 units 573 6.8%
10 to 19 units 320 3.8%
20 to 49 units 342 4%
50 or more units 474 5.6%
Mobile home 55 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
5
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portsmouth

In Portsmouth, the median construction year is 1946. About 42.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,596 42.5% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,098 13% -6.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,147 13.6% 3.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 920 10.9% -6.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 821 9.7% -9.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 383 4.5% -10.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 228 2.7% 21.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 181 2.1% -7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 87 1% 107.1%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.1% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Portsmouth occupancy rates

Out of the 7,334 occupied housing units in Portsmouth, 48.2% are owner-occupied, while 51.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,334
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,803
Owner occupied
3,531
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,803 51.8% -2.5%
Owner occupied 3,531 48.2% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
13.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Portsmouth housing costs

Housing costs in Portsmouth come to a median of $716 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $747.

Median housing costs per month
$716/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Portsmouth
$747/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Portsmouth

Portsmouth education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Portsmouth went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 809 5.7% 27.2%
High school diploma 6,376 45% 0.8%
College diploma 3,442 24.3% -1.7%
Associate degree 1,294 9.1% 4.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,505 10.6% -16.8%
Graduate degree 737 5.2% 12.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Portsmouth

How much people earn in Portsmouth

The average annual household income in Portsmouth was $61,725 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,713, reflecting a -1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portsmouth
$61,725/year
11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portsmouth
$34,713/year
-1.7% year-over-year change

Portsmouth income by age

In Portsmouth, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $38,115. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $32,656 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,925, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,250 in earnings. Overall, 65% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,925 -0.1%
25 - 44 $38,115 15.6%
45 - 64 $32,656 -18.4%
Over 65 $36,250 -3.4%
Above poverty level
10,732
Below poverty level
5,778
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,732 65% 2.4%
Below poverty level 5,778 35% -7.5%

Average renter income in Portsmouth

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Portsmouth, their median household income was $22,025 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,025
Rent-to-income ratio
40.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Portsmouth

Workforce and job types in Portsmouth

The job market in Portsmouth is powered by 6,141 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,141
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
4,730
Blue collar
1,411
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,730 77% -0.7%
Blue collar 1,411 23% 7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 483 7.9% -1.2%
Private companies 3,893 63.4% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,038 16.9% 13.3%
Not for profit companies 727 11.8% 4.2%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
-22.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Portsmouth stands at 8.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Portsmouth

How people get around in Portsmouth

Commuting methods vary: 89.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,439 89.5% 1.8%
Taxicab 16 0.3% -5.9%
Ferryboat 22 0.4% 46.7%
Bicycle 45 0.7% 87.5%
Walk 250 4.1% 6.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Portsmouth by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
45662 26,909 11,403 $36,504 $60,666

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FAQs about Portsmouth demographics 

What is the total population of Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has a total population of 17,728 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portsmouth?

The gender ratio in Portsmouth is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (8,398 residents)
  • 52.6% females (9,330 residents)

What is the median age in Portsmouth?

The median age in Portsmouth is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portsmouth?

The age distribution in Portsmouth is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (2,862 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.9% (2,824 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (4,456 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (4,242 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (3,344 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portsmouth?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portsmouth is as follows:
  • White: 86.6% (15,362 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.5% (628 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (240 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (1,173 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (280 residents)

What percentage of the population in Portsmouth are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Portsmouth.

How many housing units are there in Portsmouth?

There are 8,466 housing units in Portsmouth, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Portsmouth and what is the average household size?

Portsmouth has a total of 7,334 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has a median household income of $34,713, representing a -1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Portsmouth?

The employment rate is 91.8% in Portsmouth, with a workforce of 6,141 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77% (4,730 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23% (1,411 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (483 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (3,893 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (1,038 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (727 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025