Portsmouth
Aerial view of Portsmouth Harbour in the south of England and the sail-shaped Spinnaker Tower
Portsmouth (PO) Postcode Area
Portsmouth: Historic naval city, iconic dockyard, picturesque waterfront, vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to the Isle of Wight. A city rich in maritime history and contemporary charm on the south coast of England.
Portsmouth Postcode Area includes:
Portsmouth, Southsea, Waterlooville, Havant, Rowland's Castle, Emsworth, Hayling Island, Gosport, Lee On The Solent, Fareham, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Newport, Yarmouth, Cowes, East Cowes, Ryde, Seaview, Bembridge, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Totland Bay, Freshwater.
Discover everything you need to know about Portsmouth with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Portsmouth (PO), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
The Portsmouth postcode's economy in focus! Here are the top four industries that play a vital role in shaping local business and employment.
Construction
Portsmouth has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Portsmouth area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Portsmouth area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Portsmouth has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Portsmouth area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as PO has a lot of business administration services, such as accounting firms, HR consultancies, and management services, it's likely a centre for corporate and operational support. These businesses help other companies run smoothly, so the area might be more business-centric, attracting professionals like administrators, accountants, and consultants. The local economy could be quite strong, driven by a steady demand for services that keep companies ticking over. It's not necessarily the most exciting or creative environment, but it would be efficient, organised, and perhaps well-connected with reliable transport links. You'd expect to see a lot of office spaces in Portsmouth and maybe even shared workspaces catering to small and medium-sized businesses. The area could feel more formal and professional, with less of a residential or leisure focus.
Retail
Portsmouth area has a large quantity of retail businesses, making it a busy, commercial hub where people go to shop and socialise. High streets, shopping centres, and independent boutiques often thrive in these areas, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike. The presence of retail businesses can indicate that the local economy is fairly strong, with plenty of footfall and a demand for goods and services. This kind of area tends to have good transport links and a lively atmosphere, but it can also mean a bit more hustle and bustle, especially during weekends and sales events. If you're living in Portsmouth, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Portsmouth PO, part of the ceremonial county of Hampshire in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 34 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. PO 1AA). Its population stands at 854,784 individuals, reflecting a density of 3,328 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £45,245 , which is 29.3% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Portsmouth
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Portsmouth like to live and work in?
Aerial view of Portsmouth Harbour in the south of England and the sail-shaped Spinnaker Tower
Adobe Stock
Portsmouth, a port city on the south coast of England, has a population of around 215,000. It benefits from excellent transport links, including direct trains to London Waterloo in about 90 minutes and easy access to the M27 and A3 roads.
The city's demographics are diverse, with a mix of students, young professionals, families, and retirees, partly due to the presence of the University of Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a variety of amenities, including extensive shopping areas, restaurants, and cultural attractions such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and Southsea Castle.
The city has several well-regarded schools and healthcare facilities, making it family-friendly. Green spaces like Southsea Common and the nearby New Forest provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Portsmouth area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Portsmouth (PO) Postcode Districts
Portsmouth PO postcode area contains 34 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. PO*) to explore information about the area.
House Prices in Portsmouth
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E06000044). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
Hampshire
The wider county
The rolling chalk downs and lush agricultural valleys that have inspired so much great English literature still loom large over the county of Hampshire and still attract hikers and bikers, walkers and tourists to the region to this day. But Hampshire offers so much more than its downs, from the stunning cathedral city of Winchester to the world famous woodlands and heaths of the ancient New Forest. Sat on the south coast, Hampshire is also famous as being the birthplace of the Royal Navy and the maritime history of Portsmouth and Southampton is also one of the highlights of the region.
Indeed history is everywhere across the county, Hampshire having been attracting visitors to its chalk down lands since before the Neolithic era (as evidenced by the numerous forts such as the one at Winklebury.) It has also been invaded by the Romans, the Jutes, the Saxons and the Normans.
Read more about Hampshire
Local Transport
Rail Transport
The PO postal area enjoys a well-connected rail network, making commuting a breeze. Key stations like Portsmouth, Havant, and Fareham offer regular services to London, Southampton, and beyond, ensuring easy access to major cities and quaint countryside locations.
Air Travel
Proximity to Southampton Airport provides convenient domestic and European flights, ideal for business trips or holidays. For more international destinations, London Gatwick and Heathrow are just a couple of hours' drive or train journey away.
Commuting by Car
For those who prefer driving, excellent road links are a major plus. The M27 and A3(M) motorways provide swift connections to London, Brighton, and the wider South East. Ample parking options and relatively congestion-free roads make car commuting an appealing choice.
Buses and Coaches
Local bus services cover the entire PO area, linking towns, villages, and city centres. Reliable and frequent, they are perfect for daily commutes or leisurely outings. National Express coach services also offer convenient long-distance travel options.
Cycling and Walking
The PO area is also cycle-friendly, boasting dedicated lanes and scenic routes that encourage eco-friendly commuting. Pedestrian paths are well-maintained, promoting a healthy and enjoyable travel experience on foot.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the PO postcode region:
Barnham Railway Station
Bedhampton Railway Station
Bognor Regis Railway Station
Bosham Railway Station
Brading Railway Station
Chichester Railway Station
Cosham Railway Station
Emsworth Railway Station
Fareham Railway Station
Fishbourne Railway Station
Fratton Railway Station
Havant Railway Station
Hilsea Railway Station
Lake Railway Station
Nutbourne Railway Station
Portchester Railway Station
Portsmouth & Southsea Railway Station
Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station
Rowland's Castle Railway Station
Ryde Esplanade Railway Station
Ryde Pier Head Railway Station
Ryde St.John's Road Railway Station
Sandown Railway Station
Shanklin Railway Station
Smallbrook Junction Railway Station
Southbourne Railway Station
Tal-y-Cafn Railway Station
Warblington Railway Station
Local Authorities
PO Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The PO postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Arun
Arun District Council supports its communities by focusing on economic development, improving public services, and enhancing the quality of life across its coastal and inland areas.
Chichester
Chichester District Council is dedicated to preserving its historical heritage and natural landscapes while promoting sustainable growth and high-quality public services.
East Hampshire
East Hampshire District Council focuses on rural and urban development, supporting community welfare through strategic planning and enhanced public services.
+ 8 more
East Hampshire
Fareham
Gosport
Havant
Isle of Wight
New Forest
Portsmouth
Winchester
Worthing
View all Local AuthoritiesGDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Portsmouth (PO) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Portsmouth (PO) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £2,058 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in PO
As rated by Ofsted
- Harrison Primary School
Harrison Road, Fareham, PO16 7EQ
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Warren Park Primary School
Sandleford Road, Havant, PO9 4LR
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Ranvilles Infant School
Oldbury Way, Fareham, PO14 3BN
Primary School (4-7)Outstanding - St Philip Howard Catholic School
Elm Grove South, Bognor Regis, PO22 0EN
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding - Bishop Luffa School, Chichester
Westgate, Chichester, PO19 3HP
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding - Crofton Hammond Junior School
Mancroft Avenue, Fareham, PO14 2DE
Primary School (7-11)Outstanding - Whiteley Primary School
Gull Coppice, Fareham, PO15 7LA
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Red Barn Community Primary School
Linden Lea, Fareham, PO16 8HJ
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - St Edmund's Catholic School
Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1RX
Secondary School (11-16)Outstanding - Bidbury Infant School
Fraser Road, Havant, PO9 3EF
Primary School (4-7)Outstanding
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