Fifth Ward Neighborhood, Portsmouth
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth
Safety at a Glance
Is Fifth Ward Safe?
Fifth Ward in Portsmouth, OH has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 115, which is 15% above the national average of 100. Fifth Ward is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth.
Compared to the Portsmouth average (crime index 139), Fifth Ward is 24% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 179, 79% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 119). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Fifth Ward is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Fifth Ward Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Portsmouth city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Rape
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
170 | +70% | High | |
How Fifth Ward Compares
Crime index by category: Fifth Ward vs Portsmouth average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Fifth Ward Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Fifth Ward Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Fifth Ward, Portsmouth?
Fifth Ward in Portsmouth, OH has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 115, which is 15% above the national average. Compared to the Portsmouth average, crime in Fifth Ward is 24% lower. Fifth Ward is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth.
Is Fifth Ward a safe neighborhood in Portsmouth?
Fifth Ward is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portsmouth, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 179), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 119). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Portsmouth.
How does Fifth Ward compare to the rest of Portsmouth?
Fifth Ward's overall crime index is 115, compared to the Portsmouth average of 139. This means crime in Fifth Ward is 24% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 137, and for property crime it is 161. 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 Fifth Ward?
The most prevalent crime type in Fifth Ward is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 179 (79% 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 Fifth Ward?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Third Ward, Fourth Ward, First Ward and Second Ward. These areas are close to Fifth Ward and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Fifth Ward?
Fifth Ward has a population of approximately 2,298. The median household income is $53,705. The median home value is $113,549. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Fifth Ward crime compare to the national average?
Fifth Ward's overall crime rate is 15% above the national average (index 115 vs 100). Within Portsmouth, it is safer than 67% 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.