Portsmouth, NH Crime Rate & Safety

Portsmouth, NH has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 41% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 400 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 77 chance for property crime. Portsmouth has lower crime than 77% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Portsmouth is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 18 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Little Harbor is one of the safest areas, while Frank Jones Farm has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Portsmouth is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Portsmouth are Little Harbor, Coakley Road, South End, Lafayette Park, and Wibird Area. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Portsmouth include Frank Jones Farm, Goodwin Park, Christian Shore / Creek, Lincoln / Broad Street Area, and Wibird Area. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Portsmouth is 250.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 400 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.4 per 100K (32% below average); aggravated assault at 191.0 per 100K (29% below average); robbery at 40.3 per 100K (46% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Portsmouth is 1,293.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 77 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 141.8 per 100K (47% below average); larceny/theft at 924.5 per 100K (34% below average); vehicle theft at 227.0 per 100K (29% below average).

Portsmouth's overall crime rate is 41% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (29% below average), while rape is 54% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Portsmouth has lower crime than 77% of them.

Portsmouth is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 29% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Little Harbor, Coakley Road, South End.

New Hampshire as a whole has crime that is 4% above the national average. Portsmouth's crime rate is 41% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Hampshire city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Portsmouth, with an estimated rate of 924.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 34% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,293 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (250 per 100K) in Portsmouth, which is consistent with national trends.