Sterling Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Portland
Is Sterling Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Sterling in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 80, which is 20% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Sterling is 22% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 177, 77% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 69).
Sterling 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
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Rape
|
157 | +57% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
How Sterling Compares
Crime index by category: Sterling vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sterling Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Sterling Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sterling, Portland?
Sterling in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 80, which is 20% below the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Sterling is 22% lower.
Is Sterling a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Sterling is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 177), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 69).
How does Sterling compare to the rest of Portland?
Sterling's overall crime index is 80, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Sterling is 22% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 119, and for property crime it is 138. 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 Sterling?
The most prevalent crime type in Sterling is Robbery, with a crime index of 177 (77% 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 Sterling?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Brentwood-Darlington, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Lents and Foster-Powell. These areas are close to Sterling and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sterling?
Sterling has a population of approximately 518. The median household income is $52,617. The median home value is $430,533. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sterling crime compare to the national average?
Sterling's overall crime rate is 20% below the national average (index 80 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.