About Portswood

Portswood is a suburb located in Hampshire, England, within the postcode area SO17. It lies just to the north of Southampton city centre and is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to access various parts of the city. The area features a mix of residential housing, local shops, and amenities, catering to both families and students due to its proximity to the University of Southampton. The suburb has a variety of eateries, ranging from casual cafes to more formal dining options, providing a selection of cuisines. Portswood also hosts several community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of local engagement. Additionally, there are parks and green spaces nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, Portswood serves as a practical and accessible area for residents and visitors alike.

School Ratings in Portswood

Families in Portswood have access to 174 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Portswood

Homes sell for an average of £258K locally. Most of the housing is made up of flats, averaging £166K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Portswood

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Shoplifting is the leading concern across Portswood, with 119 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Portswood

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Portswood around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Portswood

Broadband services in Portswood range from standard to superfast depending on location. Mobile signal strength on 4G is reasonable, though 5G and indoor coverage can be patchy. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 2,691 sales

Average Price £258K
£500 £32.41M
Detached £452K 205
Semi £309K 534
Terraced £263K 365
Flat £166K 1,450

Deprivation and Employment in Portswood IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Portswood are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
5/10
4,504 Children (0-15) 13%
26,654 Working Age 77%
4,718 Older (60+) 14%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 43.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 28.5% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Portswood 1,280 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Portswood are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

478 Violence & Sexual Offences
119 Shoplifting
96 Drugs
95 Anti-Social Behaviour
88 Public Order
83 Criminal Damage & Arson
76 Vehicle Crime
74 Other Theft
47 Burglary
32 Other Crime
29 Robbery
25 Bicycle Theft
25 Weapons
13 Theft from Person
Local Policing
Hampshire Portswood, Swaythling, and Bassett Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

St Denys Train Station 0.5 miles
Bitterne Train Station 0.7 miles
Swaythling Train Station 1 miles
Southampton Airport Parkway Train Station 1.8 miles
Woolston Train Station 2.1 miles
Sholing Train Station 2.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Southampton
Ward Bevois
Constituency Southampton, Test
Parish Southampton, unparished area
Region South East