D
29%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
7%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
33%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePortsmouth/100k peopleOhio/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime536n/a (estimate)2,9952,0762,324
Murder3n/a16.86.16.3
Rape12n/a67.148.440.0
Robbery10n/a55.953.166.1
Assault46n/a257.0185.9268.2
Violent crime71n/a (estimate)397294370
Burglary97n/a542.0255.3269.8
Theft340n/a1,899.91,292.91,401.9
Vehicle theft28n/a156.5234.5282.7
Property crime465n/a (estimate)2,5981,7831,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Portsmouth, OH

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Portsmouth is 28.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Portsmouth, there were 71 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, 7.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 465 property crimes, amounting to 2598 per 100,000 residents, 33% higher than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Portsmouth has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 397 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Portsmouth ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Portsmouth, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Portsmouth?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Portsmouth residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 24 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Portsmouth residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 79% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Portsmouth a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Portsmouth, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Portsmouth presents a total crime rate that is 29% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Portsmouth experiences an average of 1.47 daily crimes, comprising 0.19 violent incidents and 1.27 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth has decreased by 42.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33% and property crime has decreased by 44%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Portsmouth

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 Portsmouth crime rates. Portsmouth registers a population density of 1872.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Portsmouth, the cost of living is 15.34% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Portsmouth stands at $75,900, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Portsmouth crime map



The Portsmouth crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Portsmouth as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Portsmouth crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Portsmouth crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Portsmouth crime rates are 29% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Portsmouth are 7% higher than the national average
      • In Portsmouth you have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Portsmouth is safer than 22% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Portsmouth has decreased by 37%

      Portsmouth, OH Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Portsmouth (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Portsmouth for every 100,000 residents. The Portsmouth total amount of daily crime is 1.44 times more than the Ohio average and 1.29 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Portsmouth, is 1.35 times more than the Ohio average, and it is 1.07 times more than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Portsmouth has a daily crime average that is 1.46 times more than the Ohio average and 1.33 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Portsmouth (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Portsmouth to every other city in Ohio, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Portsmouth safe? The gauges above illustrate that Portsmouth is safer than 10% of every city located within Ohio along with 22% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Ohio and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Portsmouth, OH is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Portsmouth

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Portsmouth is 1 in 253
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Portsmouth is 1 in 39
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Portsmouth is 1 in 34
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Portsmouth? In Portsmouth, you have a 1 in 253 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 39. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Portsmouth, OH is 1 in 34.

        Year Over Year Crime In Portsmouth (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Portsmouth, OH is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Portsmouth has decreased by 26%, while the property crime rate in Portsmouth has decreased by 38% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Portsmouth has decreased by 37% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Portsmouth police department

        Item Portsmouth Ohio National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3817,044558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.73.3
        There are a total of 38 Portsmouth police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.2% less than the Ohio average and 42.1% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Ohio

        State Total offenders Ohio /100K National /100K
        Ohio17,872156266
        There are a total of 17,872 sex offenders in Ohio. This yields a total of 156 sex offenders in Ohio per 100,000 residents which is 41% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Worthington, KY1,63906868
        South Shore, KY1,2870193193
        Greenup, KY1,23396192288
        Raceland, KY2,21543431474
        Flatwoods, KY7,14369429498
        Wurtland, KY1,45299672771
        Lucasville, OH2,030113683796
        Portsmouth, OH20,0943972,5982,995

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Pittsburg, KS20,0964864,2704,756
        East Northport, NY20,0852741,0981,371
        Dixon, CA20,1063371,5421,879
        La Cañada Flintridge, CA20,0781221,8141,936
        Rocky River, OH20,11580709788
        Portsmouth, OH20,0943972,5982,995
        Source: The Portsmouth, OH crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.