Founded: 1623 (incorporated 1849)
Head Official: Mayor Evelyn F. Sirrell (since 1998)
City Population
1980: 26,254
1990: 25,925
2000: 20,784
2003 estimate: 21,002
Percent change, 1990–2000: -19.8%
U.S. rank in 1980: 909th
U.S. rank in 1990: 1,044th
U.S. rank in 2000: Not reported (State rank: 13th)
Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)
1990: 223,271
2000: 240,698
Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.8%
U.S. rank in 1990: 5th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 7th (CMSA)
Area: 15.7 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 20 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 44.7° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 46 inches of rain; 62 inches of snow
Major Economic Sectors: Tourism, government, retail and service industries, fishing and agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 1.4% (April 2005)
Per Capita Income: $27,540 (1999)
2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported
2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 860
Major Colleges and Universities: Extension Campus of New Hampshire College
Daily Newspaper: The Portsmouth Herald