Portsmouth, Virginia
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Portsmouth is an independent city located in Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 100,565, but a July 1, 2002 Census estimate showed the city's population dropping to 99,790.
A Virginia state legislator recently proposed a plan by which Portsmouth would merge with its neighbor cities of Norfolk and Suffolk. After a cold reception from Suffolk, the legislator changed the plan so that it would merge only Portsmouth and Norfolk. The plan, in any form, is enthusiastically embraced in Portsmouth, which has virtually no room for growth and a radically limited tax base. A large portion of the city is controlled by the U.S. Navy; when Navy facilities are combined with schools, churches, and other tax-exempt entities, over half of Portsmouth's assessed valuation is off the tax rolls.
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Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 120.7 km² (46.6 mi²). 85.9 km² (33.2 mi²) of it is land and 34.9 km² (13.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 28.87% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 100,565 people, 38,170 households, and 25,497 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,170.9/km² (3,032.7/mi²). There are 41,605 housing units at an average density of 484.4/km² (1,254.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 45.84% White, 50.61% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. 1.74% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 38,170 households out of which 30.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% are married couples living together, 20.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% are non-families. 27.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 3.05.
In the city the population is spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $33,742, and the median income for a family is $39,577. Males have a median income of $30,122 versus $23,375 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,507. 16.2% of the population and 13.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.7% of those under the age of 18 and 10.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
America's oldest and largest naval shipyard is located on the Portsmouth waterfront. Founded in 1767, it has been burned 3 times by retreating armies because of its strategic importance. Historic ships have been built here, including the first ironclad to engage in battle, the nation's first battleship, and the world's first aircraft carrier. The Naval Shipyard Museum at 2 High Street tells the full story.
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