Portsmouth, VA Crime Rate & Safety

Portsmouth, VA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 51% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 173 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 30 chance for property crime. Portsmouth has higher crime than 88% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Portsmouth has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Portsmouth is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Portsmouth is 576.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 51% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 173 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.7 per 100K (54% above average); aggravated assault at 397.5 per 100K (48% above average); robbery at 121.4 per 100K (64% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Portsmouth is 3,381.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 85% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 30 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 435.5 per 100K (61% above average); larceny/theft at 2,427.2 per 100K (73% above average); vehicle theft at 519.2 per 100K (63% above average).

Portsmouth's overall crime rate is 51% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (73% above average), while assault is 48% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Portsmouth has higher crime than 88% of them.

Visitors to Portsmouth should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 85% above 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.

Virginia as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Portsmouth's crime rate is 51% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Virginia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Portsmouth, with an estimated rate of 2,427.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 73% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,382 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (576 per 100K) in Portsmouth, which is consistent with national trends.