97203 Zip Code, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most zip codes
Safer than 6% of zip codes in Portland
Safety at a Glance
Is 97203 a Safe Zip Code?
Zip code 97203 in Portland, OR has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 123, which is 23% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 6% of zip codes in Portland.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), zip code 97203 is 21% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 140, 40% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 95).
Overall, zip code 97203 is considered a safe area for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
97203 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
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
How 97203 Compares
Crime index by category: 97203 vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
97203 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
97203 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 97203, Portland?
Zip code 97203 in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 123, which is 23% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Zip code 97203 is 21% higher. Zip code 97203 is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Portland.
Is Zip code 97203 a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Zip code 97203 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 140), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 95). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Portland.
How does Zip code 97203 compare to the rest of Portland?
Zip code 97203's overall crime index is 123, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Zip code 97203 is 21% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 128, and for property crime it is 123. 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 Zip code 97203?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 97203 is Rape, with a crime index of 140 (40% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 97203?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 97224, 97221, 97212 and 97267. These areas are close to Zip code 97203 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 97203?
Zip code 97203 has a population of approximately 35,841. The median household income is $59,824. The median home value is $496,183. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 97203 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 97203's overall crime rate is 23% above the national average (index 123 vs 100). Within Portland, it is safer than 6% 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.