Is Portsmouth Safe?
With an overall crime index of 137, Portsmouth has a 37% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 176. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Little Harbor earning an A+ grade while Frank Jones Farm rates A.
Crime Index Comparison
Portsmouth
New Hampshire Avg
National Avg
100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.
Crime Index
137
37% above average
Violent Crime
142
42% above average
Property Crime
133
33% above average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B
Your chance of violent crime in Portsmouth
1 in 176
Property crime: 1 in 188
Where Is It Safe in Portsmouth?
Safest Neighborhoods
1
A+
2
A+
3
A+
4
A+
5
A
6
A
7
A
8
A
9
A
10
A
Little Harbor
Median income: $152,357
Coakley Road
Median income: $91,346
South End
Median income: $111,937
Lafayette Park
Median income: $119,179
Wibird Area
Median income: $125,782
Lincoln / Broad Street Area
Median income: $112,273
Christian Shore / Creek
Median income: $105,401
Cass Street
Median income: $101,856
Cutts Cove
Median income: $84,253
Rogers Street
Median income: $49,720
Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address
Portsmouth Crime Breakdown
Highest Risk
Assault · 58% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 11% above avg
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder Violent | 148 | ▲ 48% | |
| Assault Violent | 158 | ▲ 58% | |
| Robbery Violent | 119 | ▲ 19% | |
| Burglary Property | 111 | ▲ 11% | |
| Larceny / Theft Property | 138 | ▲ 38% | |
| Vehicle Theft Property | 151 | ▲ 51% |
Violent vs Property Crime
Neighborhood Safety Distribution
All Portsmouth Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Harbor | A+ | 29 |
| 2 | Coakley Road | A+ | 16 |
| 3 | South End | A+ | 162 |
| 4 | Lafayette Park | A+ | 81 |
| 5 | Wibird Area | A | 135 |
| 6 | Lincoln / Broad Street Area | A | 145 |
| 7 | Christian Shore / Creek | A | 121 |
| 8 | Cass Street | A | 126 |
| 9 | Cutts Cove | A | 149 |
| 10 | Rogers Street | A | 200 |
| 11 | Richards Avenue Area | A | 200 |
| 12 | Nobles Island | A | 169 |
| 13 | Downtown | A | 180 |
| 14 | North End | A | 182 |
| 15 | Islington Creek | A | 188 |
| 16 | Goodwin Park | A | 188 |
| 17 | Frank Jones Farm | A | 95 |
| 18 | Broad Street | A- | 92 |
Portsmouth Crime by Zip Code
Portsmouth Demographics & Cost of Living
Population
97,455
Median Income
$78,712
Home Value
$452,741
Median Rent
$1,353
Home Ownership
50%
Racial Demographics
White
88.1%
Black
2.7%
Hispanic
3.2%
Asian
4.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has an overall crime index of 137, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth are rated A or B for safety.
Is Portsmouth safe to live in?
Portsmouth has a crime safety grade of A. Very very low crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Portsmouth?
The safest neighborhoods in Portsmouth based on crime data include Little Harbor, Coakley Road, South End, Lafayette Park, and Wibird Area. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Portsmouth crime compare to the national average?
Portsmouth's overall crime index is 137 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 37% higher than the typical US city.
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