Portsmouth - Newport, South Rhode Island, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
46,045
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,831/yr
7.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,724
0.7% year-over-year change

Portsmouth - Newport population

How many people live in Portsmouth - Newport

Portsmouth - Newport is home to 46,045 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Portsmouth - Newport locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
46,045
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
22,858
Female
50.4%
23,187
Value Percent YoY change
Male 22,858 49.6% -0.4%
Female 23,187 50.4% -0.8%
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 - Newport is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
23.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,379 13.8% -5.1%
15 to 24 5,780 12.6% -0.8%
25 to 44 11,487 25% 1.6%
45 to 64 11,455 24.9% -4.7%
Over 65 10,945 23.8% 4.8%
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 - Newport, 89.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.1% of locals are Caucasian, 4.2% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.3%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 41,106 89.3% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,351 7.3% -2.1%
Non-citizens 1,589 3.4% -7.9%
Racial breakdown
White
80.1%
Black or African American
4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.8%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 36,889 80.1%
Black or African American 1,957 4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 127 0.3%
Asian 993 2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 69 0.2%
Two or more races 4,508 9.8%
Other 1,502 3.3%

Households in Portsmouth - Newport

A peek inside Portsmouth - Newport households

Portsmouth - Newport has 20,233 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.1% are families, while the remaining 42.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
20,233
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,682
Family households
11,551
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,682 42.9% 6.7%
Family households 11,551 57.1% -0.7%
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 - Newport

The housing landscape of Portsmouth - Newport

Portsmouth - Newport's housing consists of 23,724 units, with 55.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
23,724
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,073 55.1%
1 unit, attached 1,560 6.6%
2 units 2,535 10.7%
3 or 4 units 2,696 11.4%
5 to 9 units 1,081 4.6%
10 to 19 units 663 2.8%
20 to 49 units 741 3.1%
50 or more units 860 3.6%
Mobile home 454 1.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 62 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
115
-9.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portsmouth - Newport

In Portsmouth - Newport, the median construction year is 1938. About 33.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,986 33.7% 0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,455 6.1% 4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,511 10.6% 4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,437 10.3% -12.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,699 11.4% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,784 11.7% 1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,569 6.6% -3.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,319 5.6% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 849 3.6% 12.9%
Built in 2020 or later 115 0.5% -9.4%
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 - Newport occupancy rates

Out of the 20,233 occupied housing units in Portsmouth - Newport, 61.3% are owner-occupied, while 38.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,233
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,836
Owner occupied
12,397
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,836 38.7% 2.6%
Owner occupied 12,397 61.3% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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 - Newport housing costs

Housing costs in Portsmouth - Newport come to a median of $1,912 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,854.

Median housing costs per month
$1,912/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 - Newport
$1,854/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 - Newport

Portsmouth - Newport education at a glance

About 23.6% of the population in Portsmouth - Newport went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 30.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 555 1.4% -12.2%
High school diploma 9,021 23.6% -1.4%
College diploma 6,840 17.9% -2.4%
Associate degree 2,068 5.4% -5.6%
Bachelor's degree 11,736 30.7% 3.5%
Graduate degree 8,030 21% 2.0%
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 - Newport

How much people earn in Portsmouth - Newport

The average annual household income in Portsmouth - Newport was $139,589 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,831, reflecting a +7.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portsmouth - Newport
$139,589/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portsmouth - Newport
$116,831/year
7.8% year-over-year change

Portsmouth - Newport income by age

In Portsmouth - Newport, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,827. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $134,346 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,362, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $86,402 in earnings. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,362 2.6%
25 - 44 $106,827 7.1%
45 - 64 $134,346 -8.7%
Over 65 $86,402 -1.5%
Above poverty level
39,136
Below poverty level
4,433
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 39,136 89.8% -0.9%
Below poverty level 4,433 10.2% 0.9%

Employment in Portsmouth - Newport

Workforce and job types in Portsmouth - Newport

85.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.5% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
18,963
Blue collar
3,182
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,963 85.6% -1.6%
Blue collar 3,182 14.4% 11.8%
Employer type
Self employees
11.5%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,538 11.5% 6.8%
Private companies 13,616 61.5% 0.0%
Governmental workers 3,369 15.2% -0.6%
Not for profit companies 2,622 11.8% -4.3%

Transportation in Portsmouth - Newport

How people get around in Portsmouth - Newport

In Portsmouth - Newport, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
255.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,356 90% -2.8%
Taxicab 53 0.3% -23.2%
Bus or trolleybus 244 1.3% -10.9%
Railroad 28 0.2% -15.2%
Ferryboat 11 0.1% -21.4%
Motorcycle 63 0.3% 231.6%
Bicycle 225 1.2% 56.2%
Walk 1,308 6.8% 3.9%
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.

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FAQs about Portsmouth - Newport demographics 

What is the total population of Portsmouth - Newport?

Portsmouth - Newport has a total population of 46,045 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portsmouth - Newport?

The gender ratio in Portsmouth - Newport is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (22,858 residents)
  • 50.4% females (23,187 residents)

What is the median age in Portsmouth - Newport?

The median age in Portsmouth - Newport is 43.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portsmouth - Newport?

The age distribution in Portsmouth - Newport is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (6,379 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (5,780 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (11,487 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (11,455 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.8% (10,945 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portsmouth - Newport?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portsmouth - Newport is as follows:
  • White: 80.1% (36,889 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.2% (1,957 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (127 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (993 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (69 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.8% (4,508 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (1,502 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.3% of the population in Portsmouth - Newport.

How many housing units are there in Portsmouth - Newport?

There are 23,724 housing units in Portsmouth - Newport, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Portsmouth - Newport has a total of 20,233 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portsmouth - Newport?

Portsmouth - Newport has a median household income of $116,831, representing a +7.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Portsmouth - Newport?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.6% (18,963 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.4% (3,182 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.5% (2,538 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (13,616 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (3,369 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (2,622 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