Portsmouth at a Glance:
The town of Portsmouth is located in Newport County, Rhode Island. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 59.3 square miles, of which 36.1 square miles is water. Most of its land area lies on Aquidneck Island, which it shares with Middletown and Newport. In addition, Portsmouth encompasses some smaller islands, including Prudence Island, Patience Island, Hope Island, and Hog Island. Portsmouth was settled in 1638 by a group of religious dissenters from Boston Colony. It was founded by the signers of the Portsmouth Compact. Its original Indian name was Pocasset. It was officially named Portsmouth on May 12, 1639. Portsmouth's governmental structure is composed of a seven-member Town Council and a Town Administrator.
Housing Facts: 2010
| Typical monthly housing payment* for a $285,000 house |
$2,049 |
| Household income required to afford a $285,000 house |
$81,942 |
| Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment |
$1,441 |
| Household income required for that rent to be affordable |
$57,640 |
| Average private-sector wage for jobs in Portsmouth |
$51,948 |
| Foreclosures in Portsmouth |
|
| Actual number of foreclosures |
14 |
| Total number of mortgaged housing units |
3,731 |
| Foreclosures as a percentage of mortgaged stock |
0.40% |
| Housing Units in Portsmouth |
|
| Number of year-round housing units |
7,005 |
| Housing units that quality as affordable |
209 |
| Affordable housing units reserved for the elderly |
167 |
| Affordable housing units reserved for families |
12 |
| Affordable housing units reserved for persons with special needs |
30 |
| Homes funded through Building Homes Rhode Island |
0 |
| How much housing is needed? |
|
| Additional housing units necessary to meet the 10% threshold established by the State's Low and Moderate Income Housing Act of 2004 |
492 |
