| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portsmouth/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 793 | n/a (estimate) | 4,572 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 17.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 86.5 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 51.9 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 97 | n/a | 559.3 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 124 | n/a (estimate) | 715 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 118 | n/a | 680.4 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 509 | n/a | 2,934.9 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 42 | n/a | 242.2 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 669 | n/a (estimate) | 3,857 | 1,551 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Portsmouth crime rate is higher than the national average by 115.8%. Specifically, there were 124 violent crimes in Portsmouth, equivalent to 715 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 99.1%. Furthermore, Portsmouth recorded 669 property crimes, amounting to 3857 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 119.2%.
Portsmouth has a crime rate of 4572 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 115.76%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Portsmouth. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
With a violent crime rate of 715 crimes per 100,000 residents, Portsmouth is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Portsmouth ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 140 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.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Portsmouth stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Portsmouth, a total of 3 murders were reported, equating to 17 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.
Portsmouth reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3857 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to property crime in Portsmouth, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What do the local residents think about crime in Portsmouth? Well, based on a recent survey of 24 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 21% of Portsmouth residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 79% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Portsmouth a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Portsmouth has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 116%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.17 daily incidents, encompassing 0.34 violent crimes and 1.83 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Portsmouth as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Portsmouth. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Portsmouth has decreased by 15.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 17%, while property crimes have decreased by 19.5%. 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 economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Portsmouth crime rates. In Portsmouth, the poverty rate stands at 35.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Portsmouth, 76% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Portsmouth, the cost of living is 20.56% lower 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Portsmouth | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Shore, KY | 1,323 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Flatwoods, KY | 7,406 | 56 | 208 | 264 |
| Worthington, KY | 1,678 | 0 | 277 | 277 |
| Raceland, KY | 2,295 | 175 | 218 | 393 |
| Greenup, KY | 1,279 | 0 | 669 | 669 |
| Lucasville, OH | 2,094 | 110 | 581 | 691 |
| Wurtland, KY | 1,510 | 96 | 606 | 701 |
| Portsmouth, OH | 20,625 | 715 | 3,857 | 4,572 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Hemet, CA | 20,622 | 688 | 2,942 | 3,630 |
| Alamo, TX | 20,629 | 897 | 3,492 | 4,389 |
| Ozark, MO | 20,620 | 81 | 683 | 764 |
| Port Angeles, WA | 20,631 | 566 | 2,483 | 3,050 |
| Dixon, CA | 20,610 | 283 | 1,278 | 1,562 |
| Portsmouth, OH | 20,625 | 715 | 3,857 | 4,572 |
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