Northern Lights Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Is Northern Lights Safe?
Northern Lights in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 35, which is 65% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Northern Lights is 67% 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, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 163, 63% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 26). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Overall, Northern Lights 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.
Northern Lights 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
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Rape
|
163 | +63% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
37 | -63% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
How Northern Lights Compares
Crime index by category: Northern Lights vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Northern Lights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Northern Lights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Northern Lights, Portland?
Northern Lights in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 35, which is 65% below the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Northern Lights is 67% lower.
Is Northern Lights a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Northern Lights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 163), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does Northern Lights compare to the rest of Portland?
Northern Lights's overall crime index is 35, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Northern Lights is 67% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 109, and for property crime it is 69. 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 Northern Lights?
The most prevalent crime type in Northern Lights is Rape, with a crime index of 163 (63% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Northern Lights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lents, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Pleasant Valley and Mt. Scott-Arleta. These areas are close to Northern Lights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights has a population of approximately 164. The median household income is $109,740. The median home value is $464,330. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Northern Lights crime compare to the national average?
Northern Lights's overall crime rate is 65% below the national average (index 35 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.