| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portsmouth/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,642 | n/a (estimate) | 5,757 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 47 | n/a | 48.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 48 | n/a | 49.0 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 209 | n/a | 213.3 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 554 | n/a | 565.3 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 858 | n/a (estimate) | 875 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 421 | n/a | 429.6 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,940 | n/a | 4,020.3 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 423 | n/a | 431.6 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,784 | n/a (estimate) | 4,881 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Portsmouth crime rate is 147.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Portsmouth, there were 858 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 875 per 100,000 individuals, 136.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Portsmouth recorded 4784 property crimes, amounting to 4881 per 100,000 residents, 149.8% higher than the U.S. average.
Portsmouth has a crime rate of 5757 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 147.7%, 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.
Portsmouth has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 875 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Portsmouth falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 115 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.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Portsmouth stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Portsmouth, there were a total of 47 murders, translating to 48 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Portsmouth reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4881 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 21 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.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Portsmouth is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Portsmouth reported a total of 423 vehicle thefts, resulting in 432 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 232, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Portsmouth residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 131 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 17% 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, 83% 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? 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 148%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 15.46 daily incidents, encompassing 2.35 violent crimes and 13.11 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 rates in Portsmouth has increased by 27.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Portsmouth is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 17.4%, while property crime has increased by 29.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Portsmouth.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Portsmouth crime rate. The poverty level in Portsmouth is 15.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Portsmouth has a population density of 2851.6 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Portsmouth crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Portsmouth, the average monthly rent stands at $1,083, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Portsmouth | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 341 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carrollton, VA | 6,340 | 179 | 1,297 | 1,476 |
| Chesapeake, VA | 242,647 | 417 | 2,011 | 2,428 |
| Hampton, VA | 135,169 | 270 | 2,906 | 3,176 |
| Norfolk, VA | 244,300 | 703 | 4,872 | 5,575 |
| Portsmouth, VA | 94,961 | 875 | 4,881 | 5,757 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Gate, CA | 94,905 | 550 | 3,281 | 3,831 |
| Roswell, GA | 94,884 | 187 | 1,208 | 1,395 |
| Hesperia, CA | 95,163 | 599 | 1,408 | 2,007 |
| Sunrise, FL | 94,657 | 329 | 1,992 | 2,321 |
| New Bedford, MA | 95,355 | 626 | 1,560 | 2,186 |
| Portsmouth, VA | 94,961 | 875 | 4,881 | 5,757 |
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