Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia Property Taxes
Median Portsmouth, VA effective property tax rate: 1.25%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Virginia state median of 0.89%.
Median Portsmouth, VA home value: $208,665
Median annual Portsmouth, VA tax bill: $2,610, $210 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Portsmouth calculated?
Property taxes in Portsmouth, VA are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Portsmouth’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Portsmouth, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.25%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,608
$2,420
Property Tax Rates Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation stems from each county's annual budget estimation process. By dividing the required budget by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, a property tax rate is determined. While the process involves votes and laws, this is the essence of how annual tax rates are set.
In Portsmouth, the effective property tax rate is 1.25%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate is consistent across the region, as seen in the uniformity of rates in zip code 23701. Compared to other cities in Virginia, Portsmouth's rate reflects the specific fiscal needs and property values of the area. When you consider the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Portsmouth's rate suggests a relatively higher tax burden for homeowners. Understanding these dynamics can help property owners anticipate potential tax liabilities and navigate their financial planning accordingly.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Portsmouth Tax Rate
1.25%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Portsmouth County Tax Rate
1.25%
Median Effective Virginia Tax Rate
0.89%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
23701 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
23702 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
23703 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
23704 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
23707 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
When examining property taxes in Portsmouth, VA, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Portsmouth County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Portsmouth County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Portsmouth. For example, the median home price in Portsmouth is $208,665, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 23703 has the highest median home price at $260,690.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
Source: Ownwell

$176,460
$218,575
$260,690
Median Portsmouth Market Value
$208,665
Median Portsmouth County Market Value
$208,665
Median Virginia Market Value
$298,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
23701 | $149,644 | $177,620 | $211,640 | $253,300 | $306,318 |
23702 | $136,595 | $155,652 | $176,460 | $208,655 | $265,515 |
23703 | $145,970 | $194,218 | $260,690 | $304,990 | $360,800 |
23704 | $63,000 | $131,530 | $180,880 | $226,120 | $284,172 |
23707 | $120,341 | $159,298 | $197,795 | $248,898 | $301,676 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
Median Portsmouth Tax Bill
$2,610
Median Portsmouth County Tax Bill
$2,610
Median Virginia Tax Bill
$2,608
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
23701 | $1,878 | $2,222 | $2,645 | $3,166 | $3,829 |
23702 | $1,751 | $1,959 | $2,212 | $2,613 | $3,328 |
23703 | $1,825 | $2,446 | $3,260 | $3,812 | $4,510 |
23704 | $803 | $1,648 | $2,260 | $2,823 | $3,548 |
23707 | $1,329 | $1,982 | $2,466 | $3,109 | $3,770 |
Source: Ownwell