Portland, OR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Portland, OR

The Portland crime rates are 204.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 4733 violent crimes in Portland (751 per 100,000 people), which is 103.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 39852 property crimes (6324 per 100,000 residents) which is 223.6% higher than average.

With a total of 7076 crimes per 100,000 people, the Portland crime rates stand at 204.43 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Portland, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

With a violent crime rate of 751 crimes per 100,000 residents, Portland is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Portland ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 134 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Portland stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Portland, there were a total of 94 murders, translating to 15 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Portland faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6324 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Portland stands at 1 in 16, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Portland faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 10856 vehicle thefts, translating to 1723 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Portland in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 59.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Portland?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Portland. Based on the results of the surveys (339 responses), 25% of people felt that there was very little crime in Portland and felt safe walking alone at night. While 75% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Portland a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Portland is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Portland has a total crime rate that is 204% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 122.15 daily crimes (12.97 violent daily crimes and 109.18 daily property crimes) in Portland.

Has Crime in Portland Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Portland crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Portland has increased by 6.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 1.1% and property crime has increased by 7.6%.

Portland Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Portland, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 63 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Portland are areas such as Linnton, Bridlemile and Alameda, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Sunderland, Centennial and Powellhurst are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Portland

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Portland crime rates. Portland registers a population density of 4873.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Portland, 88.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Portland has an average rental rate of $1,325 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Portland crime map