Kerns Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Portland
Safety at a Glance
Is Kerns Safe?
Kerns in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average of 100. Kerns is safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Portland.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Kerns is 51% 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: 161, 61% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 86).
Overall, Kerns is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Kerns 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
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Assault
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
How Kerns Compares
Crime index by category: Kerns vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Kerns Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Kerns Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kerns, Portland?
Kerns in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Kerns is 51% higher. Kerns is safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Portland.
Is Kerns a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Kerns is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 161), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 86).
How does Kerns compare to the rest of Portland?
Kerns's overall crime index is 153, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Kerns is 51% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 130, and for property crime it is 140. 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 Kerns?
The most prevalent crime type in Kerns is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 161 (61% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Kerns?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sullivan's Gulch, Buckman, Lloyd District and Laurelhurst. These areas are close to Kerns and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Kerns?
Kerns has a population of approximately 5,786. The median household income is $50,404. The median home value is $637,354. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Kerns crime compare to the national average?
Kerns's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average (index 153 vs 100). Within Portland, it is safer than 48% 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 March 2026.