Is Portsmouth Safe, Pros and cons of living in Portsmouth
There are two prominent cities named Portsmouth in the United States, one in New Hampshire and another in Virginia. This article will focus on Portsmouth, New Hampshire, unless otherwise specified.
Is it Safe to Live in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, presents a complex safety profile. The city experiences a crime rate of 15 crimes per one thousand residents, which is higher than the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Portsmouth is about 1 in 68 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
When compared to other communities in America, Portsmouth’s crime rate is not among the highest, but it is higher than 89% of New Hampshire’s cities and towns (according to NeighborhoodScout). The rate for property crime in Portsmouth is 13 per one thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of being a victim of such crimes (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is about 1 in 521 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Overview
Violent crime in Portsmouth has a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). While this is a concern, it’s important to note that the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in New Hampshire is 1 in 908 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent offenses include rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Overview
Property crimes, which include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary, have a rate of 13 per one thousand population in Portsmouth (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Portsmouth is 1 in 78, compared to 1 in 109 in New Hampshire (according to NeighborhoodScout). Motor vehicle theft, in particular, is noted as having one of the higher rates in the nation when compared to communities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is recognized as an expensive city to live in. The overall cost of living in Portsmouth is approximately $2613, placing it in the top 8% of the most expensive cities globally and ranking it third out of 14 cities in New Hampshire (according to Livingcost). This figure is 36% higher than the national average and 20% higher than the average city in New Hampshire (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing Costs
Housing is a significant contributor to the high cost of living in Portsmouth. The median home price in Portsmouth was $713,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 3.6% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes typically sell after 85 days on the market, a longer period than the 42 days recorded the previous year (according to Redfin).
Renting an apartment in Portsmouth is also costly. The average rent for an apartment is between $2,050 and $3,635 in 2026 (according to Zumper). Specifically, a studio apartment averages $2,050 per month, a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,720, and a two-bedroom apartment can cost approximately $3,635 (according to Zumper). To live comfortably in Portsmouth, based on the average rent of $2,313 per month, an annual income of about $92,520 is recommended (according to Apartments.com).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, daily expenses also contribute to Portsmouth’s high cost of living. Food costs in Portsmouth are less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). While specific figures for utilities and transportation are not detailed, the overall cost of living index reflects these expenses as well.
Job Market and Economy
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, boasts a robust job market with a variety of major employers and a competitive salary landscape. The average annual salary in Portsmouth is approximately $62,772, or about $30.18 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a slightly higher average salary of $71,517 per year, or $34 per hour (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Major Employers
Several key industries and institutions drive employment in Portsmouth. Apogent Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of laboratory and life science products, has a presence in the city. Path Lab Holdings, Inc., a provider of clinical laboratory testing services, also operates in Portsmouth. Specialty Hospitals of America, LLC, which manages and operates acute care hospitals, is another significant employer.
Erie Scientific LLC, a developer and marketer of microscope slides and diagnostic products, is based in Portsmouth. HCA Healthcare also has offices in the area, contributing to the healthcare sector’s employment opportunities. IBM, BAE Systems, and Airbus are recognized as major companies in Portsmouth, with Airbus Defence and Space employing over 1,100 people in satellite payload manufacturing.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Portsmouth, NH, was 4.8% in 2026 (according to Data Commons). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 6.20% for Portsmouth, VA, but specific data for NH’s unemployment rate in 2026 is not as readily available. The median household earnings in Portsmouth are around $92,000, with 7% of the population living in poverty (according to Movoto). Salaries in Portsmouth typically range from $41,447 to $82,894 annually, depending on occupation and experience (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Temperatures typically range from 14°F to 81°F throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 49 inches and 59 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average highs of 81°F and lows of 60°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 34°F and lows of 20°F (according to Weather Spark).
Seasonal Temperatures
The warm season in Portsmouth lasts from early June to mid-September, with daily high temperatures generally above 71°F (according to Weather Spark). Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with daily high temperatures falling below 43°F (according to Weather Spark). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in snowfall, with the snowiest period from November to April, averaging about 12.4 inches in January (according to Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Annual precipitation averages around 49 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with monthly precipitation levels showing minimal variation (according to Weather & Climate). The city receives approximately 2513.2 hours of sunshine annually (according to myPerfectWeather). Comfortable weather, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, typically occurs from mid-May to September (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is served by the Rockingham County R-1 School District, which includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school (according to Movoto). While specific school ratings are not detailed in the provided search results, the district’s structure indicates a comprehensive educational system for its residents. The population of Portsmouth shows a high level of educational attainment, with 41% holding a Bachelor’s degree and 23% having post-graduate degrees (according to Census Reporter).
Demographics of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, had a population of 21,956 at the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The city’s demographics show a median age of 42.9 years (according to Census Reporter). The population is diverse in terms of education, with a significant portion holding college degrees (according to Census Reporter).
Population and Age Distribution
The population is distributed across various age ranges, with notable percentages in the 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 brackets (according to Census Reporter). A smaller but significant portion of the population is aged 70-79 and 80+ (according to Census Reporter). The majority of residents (82%) have lived in the same house for at least one year (according to Census Reporter).
Ethnic and Racial Composition
The racial composition of Portsmouth is predominantly White, with 85.2% identifying as White, according to data from 2020. Other ethnic groups include Asian (6.9%), Black (3.4%), and Mixed race (2.6%) (according to Wikipedia). The city’s religious demographics show Christianity as the most common religion at 39.4%, followed by Islam at 4.9%, and a significant portion (47.1%) reporting no religion (according to Wikipedia).
Pros and Cons of Living in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers a blend of appealing features and potential drawbacks for residents. Its historic charm, coastal location, and strong job market are significant draws. However, the high cost of living, particularly housing, and the moderate crime rates are important considerations.
Pros
Portsmouth is a historic seaport and a popular summer tourist destination, offering a unique coastal New England experience (according to Wikipedia). The city boasts a strong job market with major employers in sectors like aerospace, defense, healthcare, and education. The average salaries are competitive, and educational attainment among residents is high. The climate offers four distinct seasons, with pleasant summers and comfortable weather for much of the year.
Cons
The cost of living in Portsmouth is notably high, especially for housing, with median home prices and rents significantly above the national average. While generally safe, the city’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with concerns about property crime and motor vehicle theft. The unemployment rate, while not excessively high, is a factor for some seeking employment. Winters can be cold and snowy, and while summers are comfortable, they are not excessively hot.