Portsmouth, OH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Portsmouth, OH

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Portsmouth is 28.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Portsmouth, there were 71 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, 7.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 465 property crimes, amounting to 2598 per 100,000 residents, 33% higher than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Portsmouth has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 397 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Portsmouth ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Portsmouth, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

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: 21% 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, 79% 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?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Portsmouth, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Portsmouth presents a total crime rate that is 29% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Portsmouth experiences an average of 1.47 daily crimes, comprising 0.19 violent incidents and 1.27 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Portsmouth Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Portsmouth crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Portsmouth has decreased by 42.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33% and property crime has decreased by 44%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Portsmouth

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Portsmouth crime rates. Portsmouth registers a population density of 1872.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 15.34% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Portsmouth stands at $75,900, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Portsmouth crime map