South Waterfront Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Is South Waterfront Safe?
South Waterfront in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 183, which is 83% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), South Waterfront is 81% 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: 187, 87% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 97).
Overall, South Waterfront 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.
South Waterfront 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
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Rape
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
How South Waterfront Compares
Crime index by category: South Waterfront vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Waterfront Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
South Waterfront Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Waterfront, Portland?
South Waterfront in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 183, which is 83% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in South Waterfront is 81% higher.
Is South Waterfront a safe neighborhood in Portland?
South Waterfront is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 187), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 97).
How does South Waterfront compare to the rest of Portland?
South Waterfront's overall crime index is 183, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in South Waterfront is 81% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 149, and for property crime it is 155. 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 Waterfront?
The most prevalent crime type in South Waterfront is Assault, with a crime index of 187 (87% 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 Waterfront?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South Portland, Brooklyn, Homestead and Hosford-Abernethy. These areas are close to South Waterfront and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Waterfront?
South Waterfront has a population of approximately 601. The median household income is $99,381. The median home value is $716,410. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Waterfront crime compare to the national average?
South Waterfront's overall crime rate is 83% above the national average (index 183 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.