Downtown Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Portland
Safety at a Glance
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in Portland
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Downtown in Portland, ME has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Portland.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 131), Downtown is 60% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 194, 94% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 170).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Portland city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Assault
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Rape
|
180 | +80% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
191 | +91% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Portland?
Downtown in Portland, ME has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Downtown is 60% higher. Downtown is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Portland.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 194), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 170).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Portland?
Downtown's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Portland average of 131. This means crime in Downtown is 60% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 187, and for property crime it is 185. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Parkside, West End, West Bayside and Valley Street. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 2,321. The median household income is $34,009. The median home value is $756,592. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 vs 100). Within Portland, it is safer than 33% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.