Portsmouth, NH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Portsmouth, NH

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Portsmouth crime rate is 38.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Portsmouth, there were 40 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 178 per 100,000 individuals, 52% lower than the national average. Additionally, Portsmouth recorded 282 property crimes, amounting to 1253 per 100,000 residents, 35.9% lower than the U.S. average.

Portsmouth showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Portsmouth?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Portsmouth residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 24 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 92% of Portsmouth residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 8% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Portsmouth a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Portsmouth a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Portsmouth crime rate is 38% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.88 crimes per day - 0.11 violent crimes and 0.77 property crimes.

Has Crime in Portsmouth Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Portsmouth has decreased by 15.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Portsmouth is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 25.9%, while property crime has decreased by 13.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Portsmouth.

Potential Causes for Crime in Portsmouth

Portsmouth reports an unemployment rate of 1.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Portsmouth crime rates.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Portsmouth, the cost of living is 34.98% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Portsmouth has a median home price of $456,200, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Portsmouth crime map