South Portland Neighborhood, Portland

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 42% of neighborhoods in Portland

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 146 / 300 High
Violent Crime 135
35% above national avg
Property Crime 145
45% above national avg
City Ranking
42%
safer than other
Portland neighborhoods

Is South Portland Safe?

South Portland in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 146, which is 46% above the national average of 100. South Portland is safer than 42% of neighborhoods in Portland.

Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), South Portland is 44% 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: 157, 57% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 93).

Overall, South Portland 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.

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 157 (57% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 93 (7% below avg)

South Portland 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
137 +37% Moderate
Assault
157 +57% High
Robbery
151 +51% High
Rape
93 -7% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
141 +41% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
157 +57% High
Vehicle Theft
137 +37% Moderate

How South Portland Compares

Crime index by category: South Portland vs Portland average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South Portland Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

South Portland Demographics & Context

Population
8,583
Median Income
$95,915
Home Value
$622,524
Median Age
38
Pop. Density
4,468/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 38.6%
Graduate Degree 33.2%

Housing

43%
57%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 82.7%
Black 1.6%
Hispanic 5.3%
Asian 8.6%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in South Portland, Portland?

South Portland in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 146, which is 46% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in South Portland is 44% higher. South Portland is safer than 42% of neighborhoods in Portland.

Is South Portland a safe neighborhood in Portland?

South Portland is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 157), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 93).

How does South Portland compare to the rest of Portland?

South Portland's overall crime index is 146, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in South Portland is 44% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 135, and for property crime it is 145. 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 South Portland?

The most prevalent crime type in South Portland is Assault, with a crime index of 157 (57% 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 South Portland?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Brooklyn, Homestead, Hillsdale and Healy Heights. These areas are close to South Portland and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of South Portland?

South Portland has a population of approximately 8,583. The median household income is $95,915. The median home value is $622,524. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Portland crime compare to the national average?

South Portland's overall crime rate is 46% above the national average (index 146 vs 100). Within Portland, it is safer than 42% of neighborhoods. 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.