Portsmouth city Health Data

Portsmouth city, Virginia

Health Score

39/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

70.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

70.5 yr

State avg 75.1 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.0%

State avg 7.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

60

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

348

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Portsmouth city, Virginia

Portsmouth lags on life expectancy

At 70.5 years, Portsmouth's life expectancy falls 5.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, signaling serious health challenges in the city. Nearly one in five residents (21.1%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17.3%, indicating widespread health struggles.

Lowest life expectancy in Virginia

Portsmouth ranks last among Virginia counties and cities, with a life expectancy 4.6 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The city's 21.1% poor/fair health rate far exceeds Virginia's average, placing it among the state's most health-challenged communities.

Neighboring cities show better outcomes

Radford (74.8 years) and Roanoke region counties significantly outpace Portsmouth despite similar urban challenges. Portsmouth's life expectancy gap widens further when compared to rural Virginia counties like Powhatan (77.9 years) and Prince George (78.9 years).

Mental health providers abundant, primary care scarce

Portsmouth has strong mental health support with 348 providers per 100,000 residents—well above the state norm—but only 60 primary care providers per 100,000. With a 7.0% uninsured rate, residents have better insurance coverage than the state average of 7.9%, yet access to routine care remains constrained.

Check your coverage options today

Even with above-average insurance rates, gaps remain that could worsen health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to ensure you have comprehensive coverage and understand your preventive care benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Portsmouth city, VA?
Portsmouth city has a health score of 39/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #103 out of 133 counties in Virginia (1 = healthiest). The score is based on CDC County Health Rankings data, combining life expectancy, uninsured rates, provider access, and behavioral health indicators.
What is the life expectancy in Portsmouth city?
Life expectancy in Portsmouth city is 70.5 years. The Virginia state average is 75.1 years, making Portsmouth city below the state average.
How does Portsmouth city health compare to the Virginia average?
Portsmouth city's health score of 39/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Life expectancy is 70.5 years vs. the state average of 75.1 years. The uninsured rate is 7.0% vs. 7.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Portsmouth city?
Key health factors for Portsmouth city include: life expectancy (70.5 years), uninsured rate (7.0%), and primary care physician access (60:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 348:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Portsmouth city a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 39/100 ("Below Average"), Portsmouth city faces health challenges compared to other counties in Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 70.5 years. 7.0% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
What are the biggest health challenges in Portsmouth city?
Portsmouth city's health score of 39/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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Data Sources

Health data sourced from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Data is informational only. Not medical or health advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.