Nelson Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Portland
Is Nelson Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Nelson in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 83, which is 17% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Nelson is 19% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 32). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Nelson 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
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
How Nelson Compares
Crime index by category: Nelson vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Nelson Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Nelson Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Nelson, Portland?
Nelson in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 83, which is 17% below the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Nelson is 19% lower.
Is Nelson a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Nelson is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 165), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 32).
How does Nelson compare to the rest of Portland?
Nelson's overall crime index is 83, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Nelson is 19% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 84, and for property crime it is 132. 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 Nelson?
The most prevalent crime type in Nelson is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 165 (65% 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 Nelson?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Multnomah, Hayhurst, Maplewood and Ashcreek / Crestwood. These areas are close to Nelson and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of approximately 32. The median household income is $82,440. The median home value is $705,930. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Nelson crime compare to the national average?
Nelson's overall crime rate is 17% below the national average (index 83 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 April 2026.