Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth: The most populous city in Portsmouth, Virginia.
About
Portsmouth is a city located in the county of City of Portsmouth in the U.S. state of Virginia. Its population at the 2010 census was 95,535 and a population density of 790 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 95,094 inhabitants.
The city was created 274 years ago in 1751.
Portsmouth is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. It lies on the Elizabeth River near the Chesapeake Bay.
Settled in 1752, Portsmouth was established as a port town and was named after Portsmouth, England. It soon became a key shipping hub for the Southern colonies.
During the Revolutionary War, Portsmouth contributed ships and supplies in support of the fight for independence. It continued to grow as a port city after the war.
In 1858, Portsmouth became an independent, incorporated city separate from Norfolk County. It emerged as an important industrial city through the early 20th century.
Portsmouth Today
Today, Portsmouth has around 95,000 residents. It remains an important naval shipbuilding and shipping center.
Notable sites include the historic Olde Towne district, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum. The city reflects over 250 years of American history.
Portsmouth balances its naval heritage with emerging industries in tourism, retail and technology. It honors its past while charting a course for the future.
Conclusion
From colonial times as an active port to present-day shipbuilding, Portsmouth exemplifies the maritime spirit of coastal Virginia. Its key role in the Revolutionary War cemented its stature. Portsmouth embraces its naval legacy while evolving as a historic and modern city.
Quick Facts about Portsmouth
| Population | 95,094 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Virginia (United States) |
| County | City of Portsmouth |
| Phone Area Codes | 757 |
| Area | 120.91 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.8354,-76.2983 |
| Named for | Portsmouth |
| Altitude | 20 feet / 6 meters |
| Establishment | January 01, 1752 (274 years ago) |
| Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Local time | 23:40:45 (18th April 2026) |
| Postal code | 23701 |
| Density | 787 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | -0.46% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 87℉ Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Portsmouth is located at 36°50'8"N 76°17'54"W (36.8354300, -76.2982700). It has 5 neighbors: Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Portsmouth map
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Weather
Sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 2 to 9 mph.
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Portsmouth
Official Website- Dunedin
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- Portsmouth
Demographics
According to census records, the population of Portsmouth decreased by 0.46% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 95,535 | - | census |
| 2011 | 95,748 | 0.22% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 96,480 | 0.76% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 96,075 | -0.42% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 95,829 | -0.26% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 96,336 | 0.53% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 95,165 | -1.23% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 94,838 | -0.34% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 94,750 | -0.09% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 94,398 | -0.37% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 95,094 | 0.73% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Portsmouth
1Children's Museum of Virginia
221 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573935258 | Website available
2Portsmouth City Park
Cpl J M Williams Ave, Portsmouth, VA 23701, United States View details
Phone: +17573938481 | Website available
3Paradise Creek Nature Park
1141 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23702, United States View details
Phone: +17573997487 | Website available
4St. Paul's Catholic Church
522 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17574847335 | Website available
5Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
400-420 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573938543 | Website available
Where to Eat in Portsmouth
1Church's Chicken
350 Effingham St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573978852 | Website available
2KFC
440 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573932752 | Website available
3Subway
Bldg # 1560 This Is A Secured Facility, Portsmouth, VA 23709, United States View details
Phone: +17573966115 | Website available
Where to Stay in Portsmouth
1Red Roof Inn Norfolk - Portsmouth
925 London Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573980612 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Portsmouth
1Portsmouth city hall
801 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17574840204 | Website available
2Portsmouth City Treasurer
801 Crawford St UNIT C, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17573938651 | Website available
3A Goodwin for Portsmouth Mayor
900 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17573203496 | Website available
4Portsmouth Welcome Center
206 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573935111 | Website available
5City Council Office
801 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17573938639 | Website available
6Portsmouth Fire Station 11
32 Prospect Pkwy, Portsmouth, VA 23702 View details
Phone: +17573938364 | Website available
7Human Resource Management
801 Crawford St UNIT 2, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17573938626 | Website available
8Portsmouth Mayor's Office
801 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17573938746
9Engineering & Technical Services
801 Crawford St # 4, Portsmouth, VA 23704 View details
Phone: +17573938592
10The City Of Portsmouth
801 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States View details
Phone: +17573938481 | Website available
People born in Portsmouth (198)
People born in Portsmouth, including singer-songwriter Ruth Brown, rapper, songwriter and record producer from Virginia Missy Elliott, comedian, writer, actress and voice artist Wanda Sykes, .
More notable people
- LaTasha Colander (athletics competitor) she was born in 23/08/1976
- Mae Murray (Actress, dancer, film producer, screenwriter) she was born in 10/05/1885
- Bebe Buell (American model and singer) she was born in 14/07/1953
- V. C. Andrews (novelist) she was born in 06/06/1923
- Ace Parker (American football and baseball player and coach (1912-2013)) he was born in 17/05/1912
- Dave Bailey (American drummer) he was born in 22/02/1926
- Patton Oswalt (American stand-up comedian) he was born in 27/01/1969
- James Murphy (American guitarist) he was born in 30/07/1967
- Chad Hugo (American record producer and songwriter) he was born in 24/02/1974
- Swamp Dogg (musician) he was born in 12/07/1942
- Clay Rapada (baseball pitcher from the United States) he was born in 09/03/1981
- Ken Bowersox (American astronaut) he was born in 14/11/1956
- William Russ (actor, television director) he was born in 20/10/1950
- Mike Watt (musician, songwriter) he was born in 20/12/1957
- Donald Machholz (American astronomer) he was born in 07/10/1952
- Perry Ellis (American fashion designer) he was born in 03/03/1940
- Deborah Coleman (American blues guitarist, songwriter and singer) she was born in 03/10/1956
- Wayman Carver (American musician) he was born in 25/12/1905
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Portsmouth, VA. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 233772 | Tidewater Community College | Norfolk (VA) | 23510 |
| 231970 | Eastern Virginia Medical School | Norfolk (VA) | 23507 |
| 232937 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk (VA) | 23504-8000 |
| 232982 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk (VA) | 23529 |
| 427973 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chesapeake | Chesapeake (VA) | 23320 |
Nearby Transit Stations (5)
Rail and bus stations connected to Portsmouth, VA. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFK | Norfolk | 215 W York Street | BUS |
| NPN | Newport News station | 9304 Warwick Boulevard | RAIL |
| VAB | Virginia Beach, Virginia | 19th St. and Pacific Ave. | BUS |
| WBG | Williamsburg Transportation Center | 468 North Boundary Street | RAIL |
| PTB | Petersburg station | 3516 South Street | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Portsmouth.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Portsid Post Office | Portsmouth (VA) | 23704 |
| Customhou Post Office | Norfolk (VA) | 23514 |
| Berkley Post Office | Norfolk (VA) | 23523 |
| Milan New Post Office | Norfolk (VA) | 23501 |
| Norfolk Post Office | Norfolk (VA) | 23501 |
Other places with the same name (4)
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States with a population of 21,557 people.
- Portsmouth, Ohio city in Ohio with a population of 19,744 people.
- Portsmouth, Rhode Island town in Newport County, Rhode Island, USA with a population of 17,108 people.
- Portsmouth, Iowa human settlement in Shelby County, Iowa, United States of America with a population of 176 people.
Other cities in City of Portsmouth
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in City of Portsmouth , VA.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth Heights | 99,049 | A census-designated place in Newport News, Virginia. |
Distance to Other Cities
Portsmouth distances to largest Virginia cities