Portsmouth is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, its population was 94,398 making it the fifth largest city in Virginia.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Portsmouth, the city has a population of 94,398 as of 2020. Portsmouth is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area which has a population of 1.7 million. It is also part of the larger Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA with a population of 1.8 million.
Some key facts about Portsmouth’s demographics:
- 50.7% Black or African American
- 40.8% White
- 3.8% Hispanic or Latino
- 3.3% Two or more races
- 3.2% Asian
Portsmouth experienced a population decline between 1970 to 2010, dropping from 114,773 residents down to 95,535. However, recent population estimates show that Portsmouth’s population has stabilized around 95,000.
Economy and Major Employers
Portsmouth has a diversified economy made up of manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, retail, and tourism sectors. Some of the major employers in Portsmouth include:
- Patient First – Healthcare, 1,146 employees
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard – Ship repair, 10,000 employees
- Maryview Medical Center – Hospital, 1,000 employees
- Portsmouth Public Schools – Public education, 1,500 employees
- Colonial Webb Contractors – Construction, 500 employees
Other major industries in Portsmouth include retail, professional services, and manufacturing. The city’s location near the Port of Hampton Roads and major transportation links like the Midtown Tunnel make it an important economic hub in the region.
Landmarks
As one of the oldest cities in Virginia, Portsmouth has a number of historical landmarks that highlight its long history. Some notable landmarks include:
- Portsmouth Lightship Museum – Museum ship docked along the Downtown waterfront
- Portsmouth Naval Hospital – Historical hospital founded in 1830, closed in 1974
- Crawford Parkway – Scenic parkway designed by noted landscape architect Charles Gillette
- Trinity Episcopal Church – Striking historic church completed in 1762
Portsmouth also has four historic districts showcasing preserved architecture from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries: Olde Towne, Park View, Cradock, and Port Norfolk.
Photo courtesy of City of Portsmouth
Tourism
Though often overlooked, Portsmouth offers many attractions for tourists visiting the Hampton Roads region. Popular destinations include:
- Children’s Museum of Virginia – Interactive children’s museum
- The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum – Naval history museum
- The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame – State sports museum
- Portsmouth Seawall – Scenic waterfront walkway
Portsmouth also hosts special events like the Portsmouth Summer Concert Series, the Umoja Festival, and Holiday Yuletide events that attract visitors from across Hampton Roads.
Sports
The Portsmouth Clippers are a minor league basketball team in the American Basketball Association. The Clippers play home games at the Churchland High School gymnasium.
Portsmouth is also home to renowned NFL players like Dallas Cowboys running back Michael Hasty of Churchland High School and retired Pro Bowl defensive back James Farrior of Wilson High School.
You can find the latest news and information about Portsmouth on the city’s official Facebook page.