City of Portsmouth, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Portsmouth is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 96,777, down 1.2% since 2020. It covers about 33 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1752 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 96,777 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 97,991 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -1.2% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 23 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Portsmouth is one of Virginia's 38 independent cities. In Virginia, an independent city is not part of any county; it runs its own local government, courts and schools.[1] Its founding date is recorded as 1752.[2] The name comes from Portsmouth.[2]
Population of Portsmouth
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Portsmouth at 96,777 in July 2025, down 1.2% from the April 2020 base of 97,944.[1] That made it 23rd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 102nd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 6,774 births and 6,544 deaths, a natural increase of 230.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -1,866. Moves from abroad added 445.[1]
Geography
The City of Portsmouth covers 33.3 square miles of land and 13.4 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 105th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 2,906 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 36.86° N, 76.36° W.[3]
The city borders the City of Chesapeake, the City of Hampton, the City of Newport News, the City of Norfolk and the City of Suffolk.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 10 named streams, 6 lakes and reservoirs and 1 island in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Portsmouth in a county?
No. Portsmouth is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Portsmouth?
About 96,777 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Portsmouth?
About 33 square miles of land, plus 13.4 square miles of water.
References
- [1] U.S. Census Bureau, County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2025 (Vintage 2025) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Wikidata, Portsmouth city, Virginia (open data, CC0) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer Files: Counties – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] U.S. Census Bureau, County Adjacency File (2024) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [5] U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Domestic Names – last checked 11/08/2026
Official website: www.portsmouthva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.