Portsmouth, OH Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 75% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026
Is Portsmouth Safe?
Portsmouth has a crime rate that is 39% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 408.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Sixth Ward earn an A safety grade, while Second Ward rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Portsmouth.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 408
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
36% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 71
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
23% lower than national average
Portsmouth Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Portsmouth Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
Where Is It Safe in Portsmouth?
Safety varies dramatically across Portsmouth's 6+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 6Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 6Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 6 neighborhoods in Portsmouth
All Portsmouth Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sixth Ward | A | 149 |
| 2 | Fifth Ward | A | 115 |
| 3 | Third Ward | A | 105 |
| 4 | Fourth Ward | A | 166 |
| 5 | First Ward | A- | 147 |
| 6 | Second Ward | A- | 151 |
Portsmouth Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Portsmouth zip codes.
Portsmouth Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Portsmouth, OH?
Portsmouth, OH has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 39% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 408 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 71 chance for property crime. Portsmouth has lower crime than 75% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Portsmouth, OH safe to live in?
Portsmouth is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 6 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Sixth Ward is one of the safest areas, while Second Ward has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Portsmouth is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Portsmouth?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Portsmouth are Sixth Ward, Fifth Ward, Third Ward, Fourth Ward, and First Ward. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Portsmouth?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Portsmouth include Second Ward, First Ward, Fourth Ward, Third Ward, and Fifth Ward. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Portsmouth?
The estimated violent crime rate in Portsmouth is 245.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 36% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 408 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.1 per 100K (37% below average); aggravated assault at 175.7 per 100K (35% below average); robbery at 46.1 per 100K (38% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Portsmouth?
The estimated property crime rate in Portsmouth is 1,415.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 23% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 71 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 156.0 per 100K (42% below average); larceny/theft at 1,032.2 per 100K (26% below average); vehicle theft at 227.5 per 100K (29% below average).
How does Portsmouth crime compare to the national average?
Portsmouth's overall crime rate is 39% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (26% below average), while burglary is 42% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Portsmouth has lower crime than 75% of them.
Is Portsmouth safe to visit?
Portsmouth is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 23% 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 Sixth Ward, Fifth Ward, Third Ward.
How does Portsmouth crime compare to the rest of Ohio?
Ohio as a whole has crime that is 3% below the national average. Portsmouth's crime rate is 39% below the national average, making it safer the typical Ohio city.
What type of crime is most common in Portsmouth?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Portsmouth, with an estimated rate of 1,032.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 26% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,416 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (245 per 100K) in Portsmouth, which is consistent with national trends.