Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Portsmouth

Affordability

Portsmouth has a median household income of $60,491 and a median gross rent of $1,300 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). About 42% of households in the city rent their homes, reflecting a sizable renter community that benefits from income-based housing options.

• Lease Lantern tracks 9 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in Portsmouth, covering 773 units in total.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Portsmouth Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 752 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.

Among the 9 HUD-assisted properties in Portsmouth with inspection records, 3 scored in the excellent range and 4 scored in the good range, while 2 scored in the poor range, based on HUD inspection data.

Getting Around Portsmouth

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Portsmouth rates 75 (Very Walkable), 38 for Transit (Some Transit), and 54 for Biking. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing locations, which may differ from other parts of the city.

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 1 district serves Portsmouth with 23 public schools, including 16 elementary, 3 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 other. Ratings vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living

The median household income in Portsmouth is $60,491 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median monthly rent across all rental housing in the city is $1,300, according to the same source.

For renters who qualify, the 773 income-restricted units across Portsmouth's 9 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties can offer meaningful savings compared to market-rate rents. Rents in these programs are tied to area income limits rather than market conditions.

• Median household income: $60,491/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,300/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 42% (Census ACS 5-Year)

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 9 affordable properties in Portsmouth have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 2 are in high-risk flood zones -- not surprising for a coastal city bordered by the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads. If you are considering a property here, it is worth asking management about flood insurance requirements and whether the building has experienced past flooding.