Nelson Gardens Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Portland
Is Nelson Gardens Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Nelson Gardens in Portland, OR has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Nelson Gardens is 85% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 173).
Nelson Gardens 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
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Rape
|
181 | +81% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
176 | +76% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
177 | +77% | High | |
How Nelson Gardens Compares
Crime index by category: Nelson Gardens vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Nelson Gardens 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 Gardens Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Nelson Gardens, Portland?
Nelson Gardens in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Nelson Gardens is 85% higher.
Is Nelson Gardens a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Nelson Gardens is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 173).
How does Nelson Gardens compare to the rest of Portland?
Nelson Gardens's overall crime index is 187, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Nelson Gardens is 85% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 182, and for property crime it is 179. 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 Gardens?
The most prevalent crime type in Nelson Gardens is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Nelson Gardens?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Northwest Heights / Forest Heights, West Slope, Forest Park and Sommerset West - Elmonica N. These areas are close to Nelson Gardens and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Nelson Gardens?
Nelson Gardens has a population of approximately 16. The median household income is $58,995. The median home value is $430,410. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Nelson Gardens crime compare to the national average?
Nelson Gardens's overall crime rate is 87% above the national average (index 187 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.