| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portland/100k people | Oregon/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 38,919 | n/a (estimate) | 6,246 | 2,719 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 67 | n/a | 10.8 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 317 | n/a | 50.9 | 41.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,105 | n/a | 177.3 | 57.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2,998 | n/a | 481.2 | 229.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4,487 | n/a (estimate) | 720 | 331 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4,532 | n/a | 727.4 | 306.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 24,432 | n/a | 3,921.3 | 1,789.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5,468 | n/a | 877.6 | 292.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 34,432 | n/a (estimate) | 5,526 | 2,388 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Portland is 194.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 4487 violent crimes reported in Portland, equivalent to 720 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 100.5%. Additionally, Portland recorded 34432 property crimes, amounting to 5526 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 214%.
In Portland, the crime rate stands at 6246 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 194.75%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Portland that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Portland has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 720 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Portland falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 139 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Portland stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Portland, a total of 67 murders were reported, equating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Every year, one in 19 people fall victim to a property crime in Portland - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5526 per 100,000 people, Portland has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
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 5468 vehicle thefts, translating to 878 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 114.
AreaVibes surveyed 357 local residents in Portland to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 26% of people answered that there was very little crime in Portland and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 74% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Portland, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Portland presents a total crime rate that is 195% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Portland experiences an average of 106.63 daily crimes, comprising 12.29 violent incidents and 94.33 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Portland. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Portland has decreased by 7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 6.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 7.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The Portland region comprises an array of over 63 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Portland are exemplars such as Forest Park, Southwest Hills and Pearl District, whereas Powellhurst, Portsmith and Saintjohns grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
Portland has a poverty rate that stands at 13.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Portland crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In Portland, the cost of living is 38.73% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Portland has an average rental rate of $2,024 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.
| Item | Portland | Oregon | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,195 | 5,156 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Oregon /100K | National /100K |
| Oregon | 883 | 24 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Stafford, OR | 2,000 | 46 | 335 | 382 |
| Maywood Park, OR | 1,256 | 46 | 335 | 382 |
| Durham, OR | 1,804 | 46 | 335 | 382 |
| Meadow Glade, WA | 2,850 | 54 | 406 | 460 |
| Fern Prairie, WA | 2,040 | 82 | 622 | 704 |
| Camas, WA | 24,814 | 47 | 734 | 781 |
| Brush Prairie, WA | 2,783 | 92 | 698 | 790 |
| Portland, OR | 675,307 | 720 | 5,526 | 6,246 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Memphis, TN | 674,455 | 2,501 | 6,899 | 9,400 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 671,652 | 676 | 2,893 | 3,569 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 662,341 | 430 | 2,623 | 3,053 |
| Nashville, TN | 692,022 | 1,124 | 4,510 | 5,634 |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
| Portland, OR | 675,307 | 720 | 5,526 | 6,246 |
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