Sellwood Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Portland
Is Sellwood Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Sellwood in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 136, which is 36% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Sellwood is 34% 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: 145, 45% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 76).
Sellwood 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
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
How Sellwood Compares
Crime index by category: Sellwood vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sellwood Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Sellwood Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sellwood, Portland?
Sellwood in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 136, which is 36% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Sellwood is 34% higher.
Is Sellwood a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Sellwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 145), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 76).
How does Sellwood compare to the rest of Portland?
Sellwood's overall crime index is 136, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Sellwood is 34% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 111, and for property crime it is 122. 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 Sellwood?
The most prevalent crime type in Sellwood is Assault, with a crime index of 145 (45% 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 Sellwood?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North Milwaukie Industrial Area, Sellwood Moreland, Riverview Cemetery and Eastmoreland. These areas are close to Sellwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sellwood?
Sellwood has a population of approximately 4,106. The median household income is $67,797. The median home value is $652,116. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sellwood crime compare to the national average?
Sellwood's overall crime rate is 36% above the national average (index 136 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.