Where Portsmouth ranks among UK cities for prosperity in new economic study

New analysis by LEI Register examined 64 UK areas using official ONS and NISRA data, ranking each location on five key economic indicators: median weekly earnings, real GDP per capita, share of residents with Level 3+ qualifications, average house prices and median weekly hours worked. Each metric was weighted and standardised to create an overall prosperity score out of 100, offering a balanced view of income strength, productivity, skills and housing market performance.

Portsmouth ranks thirty-first overall with a total score of 29.58. Median weekly earnings are £592.60, while GDP per capita stands at £27,893. The city has a reasonably skilled population, with 69.5% holding Level 3+ qualifications. Average house prices are £249,000, and median weekly hours worked are 37.

Portsmouth’s economy is supported by a mix of public administration, maritime industries, defence, and professional services. The city benefits from a stable workforce and solid employment opportunities, which contribute to moderate earnings and consistent productivity. Housing remains relatively affordable compared with many southern cities, helping sustain local economic activity.

Compared with top-ranking cities such as Westminster (£866.90), St Albans (£864.10), Cambridge (£763.50), and Edinburgh (£704.80), Portsmouth’s earnings and GDP per capita are lower, while its share of skilled residents is modest in comparison. However, the combination of accessible housing, steady employment, and a skilled workforce supports its mid-table prosperity ranking.

Other mid-ranked cities, such as Chichester and Southampton, share similar characteristics, balancing moderate earnings and skills with affordable property markets. Portsmouth stands out for its strategic port, defence sector, and stable local economy.

At the lower end of the ranking, Doncaster (60th), Liverpool (61st), Kingston upon Hull (62nd), Leicester (63rd), and Sunderland (64th) face persistent challenges, including lower earnings, fewer qualified residents, and limited productivity.

Toomas Pavelson, spokesperson for LEI Register, commented on the study:

“Prosperity in a city is rarely about one single factor. It’s about how different parts of the local economy work together. Strong wages matter, of course, but those wages are usually supported by high productivity and a skilled workforce. When you see a city with a high share of residents holding Level 3 or higher qualifications, that often translates into better-paid roles and stronger economic output. In the UK context, education plays an especially important role. Cities with major universities or research institutions tend to attract investment, talent and innovative businesses. That creates a cycle where skilled workers stay, companies grow and earnings gradually rise. Over time, that feeds into housing demand and local spending power.”

“Productivity is another key piece of the puzzle. Real GDP per capita gives an indication of how much economic value is being generated in a place. Higher productivity typically reflects a concentration of professional services, technology, finance or other high-value sectors. These industries tend to pay more and contribute more tax revenue, which supports public services and infrastructure.”

“Housing values also tell part of the story. While high house prices can create affordability pressures, they often reflect strong demand, higher incomes and confidence in the local economy. When you combine healthy earnings, solid productivity, a skilled population and consistent working patterns, you begin to see the foundations of long-term prosperity. For the UK, where regional inequality has been debated for years, understanding these building blocks is crucial for balanced growth.”

List of the most prosperous areas in the UK: