Merit Orchard Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
Is Merit Orchard Safe?
Merit Orchard in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 43, which is 57% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Merit Orchard is 59% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Portland as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 86, 14% below average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 19).
Overall, Merit Orchard 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.
Merit Orchard 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
|
43 | -57% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
19 | -81% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
40 | -60% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
How Merit Orchard Compares
Crime index by category: Merit Orchard vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Merit Orchard Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Merit Orchard Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Merit Orchard, Portland?
Merit Orchard in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 43, which is 57% below the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Merit Orchard is 59% lower.
Is Merit Orchard a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Merit Orchard is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 86), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 19).
How does Merit Orchard compare to the rest of Portland?
Merit Orchard's overall crime index is 43, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Merit Orchard is 59% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 47, and for property crime it is 54. 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 Merit Orchard?
The most prevalent crime type in Merit Orchard is Assault, with a crime index of 86 (14% below 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 Merit Orchard?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Slope, Northwest Heights / Forest Heights, Sylvan-Highlands and Willamette Heights. These areas are close to Merit Orchard and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Merit Orchard?
Merit Orchard has a population of approximately 55. The median household income is $122,552. The median home value is $734,187. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Merit Orchard crime compare to the national average?
Merit Orchard's overall crime rate is 57% below the national average (index 43 vs 100). 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.