First Ward Neighborhood, Portsmouth

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 17% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 147 / 300 High
Violent Crime 140
40% above national avg
Property Crime 151
51% above national avg
City Ranking
17%
safer than other
Portsmouth neighborhoods

Is First Ward Safe?

First Ward in Portsmouth, OH has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average of 100. First Ward is safer than 17% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth.

Compared to the Portsmouth average (crime index 139), First Ward is 8% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 172, 72% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 116).

Overall, First 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.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 172 (72% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 116 (16% above avg)

First 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
147 +47% Moderate
Assault
158 +58% High
Robbery
122 +22% Moderate
Rape
132 +32% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
116 +16% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
172 +72% High
Vehicle Theft
165 +65% High

How First Ward Compares

Crime index by category: First Ward vs Portsmouth average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

First Ward Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

First Ward Demographics & Context

Population
2,498
Median Income
$43,761
Home Value
$77,691
Median Age
46
Pop. Density
2,539/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 16.7%
Graduate Degree 6.4%

Housing

38%
62%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 81.7%
Black 11.6%
Hispanic 2.6%
Asian 0.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Second Ward Index: 151
A-
Third Ward Index: 105
A
Fourth Ward Index: 166
A
Fifth Ward Index: 115
A
Sixth Ward Index: 149
A
First Ward Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Portsmouth Crime Statistics
View all Portsmouth neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in First Ward, Portsmouth?

First Ward in Portsmouth, OH has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average. Compared to the Portsmouth average, crime in First Ward is 8% higher. First Ward is safer than 17% of neighborhoods in Portsmouth.

Is First Ward a safe neighborhood in Portsmouth?

First Ward is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portsmouth, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 172), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 116). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Portsmouth.

How does First Ward compare to the rest of Portsmouth?

First Ward's overall crime index is 147, compared to the Portsmouth average of 139. This means crime in First Ward is 8% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 140, and for property crime it is 151. 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 First Ward?

The most prevalent crime type in First Ward is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 172 (72% 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 First Ward?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Second Ward, Third Ward, Fourth Ward and Fifth Ward. These areas are close to First Ward and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of First Ward?

First Ward has a population of approximately 2,498. The median household income is $43,761. The median home value is $77,691. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does First Ward crime compare to the national average?

First Ward's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average (index 147 vs 100). Within Portsmouth, it is safer than 17% 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.