| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portsmouth/100k people | New Hampshire/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 338 | n/a (estimate) | 1,472 | 1,028 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 39.2 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 8.7 | 12.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 32 | n/a | 139.3 | 62.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 187 | 110 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 30.5 | 48.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 265 | n/a | 1,153.7 | 805.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 100.1 | 64.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 295 | n/a (estimate) | 1,284 | 918 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Portsmouth is 30.6% lower 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 43 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 187 per 100,000 individuals, 47.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 295 property crimes, amounting to 1284 per 100,000 residents, 27% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Portsmouth registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
What do the local residents think about crime in Portsmouth? Well, based on a recent survey of 33 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 94% of Portsmouth residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 6% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
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 31% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Portsmouth experiences an average of 0.93 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 0.81 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Portsmouth. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Portsmouth has decreased by 11.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 20.4%, while property crime has decreased by 9.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Portsmouth.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Portsmouth, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Portsmouth, there are 3.83 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
The median home price in Portsmouth is $807,702, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Portsmouth | New Hampshire | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 80 | 1,969 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Hampshire /100K | National /100K |
| New Hampshire | 2,616 | 204 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kittery Point, ME | 1,059 | 14 | 160 | 174 |
| Cape Neddick, ME | 2,635 | 16 | 179 | 195 |
| Hampton Beach, NH | 2,585 | 22 | 186 | 209 |
| South Eliot, ME | 3,168 | 19 | 218 | 237 |
| York Harbor, ME | 3,609 | 19 | 218 | 237 |
| Durham, NH | 12,464 | 41 | 224 | 265 |
| Newfields, NH | 260 | 0 | 282 | 282 |
| Portsmouth, NH | 22,060 | 187 | 1,284 | 1,472 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carrboro, NC | 22,056 | 181 | 1,929 | 2,110 |
| Bear, DE | 22,065 | 360 | 1,742 | 2,102 |
| Biddeford, ME | 22,077 | 314 | 2,349 | 2,662 |
| Bellview, FL | 22,042 | 315 | 1,674 | 1,989 |
| Bonney Lake, WA | 22,079 | 184 | 1,703 | 1,887 |
| Portsmouth, NH | 22,060 | 187 | 1,284 | 1,472 |
Here are the best places to live in New Hampshire
Most Dangerous States In The US
See the best places to live in Portsmouth
Check out the 10 safest cities in New Hampshire