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Portsmouth, OH


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Portsmouth, Ohio

Introduction to Portsmouth, Ohio

Portsmouth, Ohio, in Scioto county, is 36 miles NW of Huntington, West Virginia (center to center) and 84 miles E of Cincinnati, Ohio. The city has a population of 20,909.

Portsmouth History

In the 1790s, the settlement of Alexandria was established west of the present-day territory of Portsmouth. However, because the region was prone to flooding by the Scioto and Ohio Rivera, in the early 1800s, Henry Massie relocated away from the flood plains and began plotting a new community. Portsmouth was established in 1803, and was incorporated as a city in 1815. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal, Underground Railroad, N&W railyards, and the B&O junction greatly impacted the development and growth of the city. In 1937, a floodwall was built around Portsmouth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Portsmouth and Nearby Attractions

  • Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center
  • Clark Planetarium
  • Philip Moore Jr. Stone House
  • Indian Burial Mounds
  • Shawnee State Park & Forest
  • Branch Rickey Park

Things To Do In Portsmouth

Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center has Carl Ackerman's collection of historic photographs as well as the works of local artist Clarence Carter on display. Boneyfiddle Historic District, Portsmouth's oldest neighborhood, has buildings from the 1830s, antique stores, galleries, and shops. The Indian Burial Mounds, 1810 House, and Philip Moore Jr. Stone House are among other places of historic interest in the city. Shawnee State Park & Forest includes two lakes, an 18-hole golf course, and facilities for hiking, camping, and canoeing. The Portsmouth Murals, another popular attraction, is an outdoor art gallery featuring more than 40 paintings created by mural artist Robert Dafford. These paintings depict Portsmouth's history, settlement, and growth of industry. Carter Caves State Resort Park has a 40-acre lake, 20 miles of wooded nature trails, a 9-hole golf course, cottages, stables, and tennis courts.

Portsmouth Transportation

Tri-State / Milton J. Ferguson Field is the closest major airport.

Portsmouth Higher Education

Portsmouth is home to Shawnee State University. Ashland Community College, Kentucky Christian College, and Marshall University are close by.

High Points

Portsmouth strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Ohio):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. State)
Top 6%Portsmouth Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 8%Portsmouth Affordability of Rents
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)
Top 12%Portsmouth Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 15%Portsmouth Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 19%Portsmouth Public Transportation Use

Comparative Profile of Portsmouth, OH

Comparing Portsmouth to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Ohio (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population1010
Senior Citizens99
Age of the Population77
Children Under 5 Years Old55
Racial Diversity48
Well-Paid Single Men21
Male Share of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married11
Average Household Size11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults25
People in Middle Class or Better21
People Above Poverty11
Median Family Income11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work89
Short Commute Times89
Public Transportation Use79
Working at Home34

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Living Alone1010
Affordability of Rents1010
Affordability of Property Taxes910
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals89
Seasonal and Vacation Housing67
Housing Recently Built12

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime11
Low Property Crime11
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