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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Portsmouth

Affordable Housing in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth has 12 income-based rental properties offering 592 units, in a city where the median asking rent reaches $1,869 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With nearly half of residents renting, these affordable options provide meaningful relief in a high-cost market. Of the properties with available inspection data, the large majority scored in the excellent range.

12
Properties
592
Total units
95/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,869/mo

Affordability

Portsmouth has a median gross rent of $1,869 per month and a median household income of $106,219, with 48% of residents renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). These figures reflect a competitive rental market, making the 300 income-restricted units across 6 HUD-assisted properties in the city a meaningful resource for cost-burdened renters.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
187 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Portsmouth Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 89 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Portsmouth

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Portsmouth scores 89 (Very Walkable) and a Bike Score of 59, reflecting good access on foot and moderate cycling infrastructure. No Transit Score is available for this area.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
6 schools · 1 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 6 public schools across 1 district serve Portsmouth, including 4 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school. Ratings vary by school, so renters should check which schools are assigned to a specific address before making a housing decision.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$106,219 median income

Cost of Renting in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is one of New Hampshire's more expensive rental markets. The median household income is $106,219 and the median gross rent is $1,869 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

Affordable and income-based housing can make a significant difference for renters here. Rents at HUD-assisted and income-restricted properties are tied to a percentage of your income or to local income limits, not to market rates.

  • Median household income: $106,219/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,869/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter-occupied households: 48% (Census ACS 5-Year)
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment and Flood Risk

All 6 HUD-assisted properties in Portsmouth have been mapped for flood zone exposure. None of the 6 fall within a high-risk flood zone, according to flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 95/100(5 of 12 scored)
90+ (4)70–89 (1)No score (7)

12 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 12 affordable apartments in Portsmouth→

Other cities in NH

› Affordable housing in Bedford› Berlin income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Bristol› Claremont affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Concord› Affordable housing in Conway› Derry income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Dover› Franklin affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Hudson› Affordable housing in Keene› Laconia income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in NH› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is a small seacoast city in New Hampshire with a notably high share of renters. According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), 48 percent of households rent, and the citywide median rent stands at $1,869 per month -- making income-restricted housing an important resource here.

Lease Lantern tracks 6 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in Portsmouth, covering 300 units across the city.

Property Conditions

Of the 5 scored properties, 4 received an Excellent rating and 1 received a Good rating based on HUD inspection data. No properties in our dataset scored Fair or Poor.

Flood Risk

All 6 mapped properties show no high-risk flood designation according to available flood mapping data.

Schools

Portsmouth falls within 1 school district and is served by 6 public schools -- 4 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Walkability

Portsmouth scores 89 (Very Walkable) and 59 for bikeability according to Walk Score, meaning many daily errands can be completed on foot.

Crime

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer data reported by the Portsmouth Police Department (2024), the city recorded a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents.

Eligibility & how to apply

New Hampshire income limits (2026)New Hampshire public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in New Hampshire

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →