Portland may not be at the top of the list of the safest cities, but its metropolitan area’s violent crime rate is lower than the national average.
Forest Park is the safest area in Portland, but it’s not the only one. We have analyzed official statistics and compiled this list of the safest neighborhoods in Portland.
Contents
Forest Park
Forest Park is the safest neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Violent crime rate in Forst Park is considerably lower than the average for U.S. neighborhoods, positioning Forest Park in the 90th percentile for safety.
This means it’s safer than 90% of neighborhoods, with only 10% being safer. The rate of violent crime in Forest Park is approximately 0.9819 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year.
When breaking down the types of violent crimes, the rates are relatively low across various categories such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder. For instance, the rate for assaults is around 0.2897 per 1,000 residents, and for robbery, it’s about 0.2497 per 1,000 residents.
Southwest Hills
The Southwest Hills is the socnd on our list. This neighborhood is located southwest of Portland, bordered by the Sylvan Highlands. The population of this neighborhood is relatively small, with 5,867 residents.
According to official data from Portland’s Police Department this area is considered safer than the Greater Portland region, with a crime rate lower than 90% of Portland neighborhoods. This makes it an ideal location for families looking for a secure community to call home.
Eastmoreland
Eastmoreland Neighborhood is located in inner southeast Portland and has a population of 4,340. It is an early-twentieth-century, tree-filled neighborhood known for its beautiful homes and charming streets. Eastmoreland has a reputation for being one of the safest and best neighborhoods in Portland.
This community has a strong sense of community and is safer than 66% of cities in Oregon. The neighborhood has a low crime rate, where Violent crimes are 13% lower than the national average. This area has excellent schools, including Reed College and Duniway Elementary School.
Read: 10 Safest Cities to Live in Colorado
Northwest District
Northwest District with an estimated population of 11,455 has crime rates that are 15% lower than the Portland average.
While Northwest District is safer than other Portlan’s aras the total crime rate here is 45% higher than the national average. This includes a 3% lower rate for violent crimes and a 54% higher rate for property crimes compared to the national average.
Residents in the Northwest District have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of crime, which is higher than 78% of the cities in Oregon.
Alameda
Alameda’s crime rates that are 22% higher than the national averageb but, the rate of violent crimes is 19% lower than the national average. Residents in Alameda have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of crime. This area is considered safer than 81% of the cities in Oregon.
With a population of 4,000, the area is small enough for a strong sense of community but big enough to have plenty of amenities.
Bridlemile
Bridlemile Neighborhood in Southwest Portland, Oregon, is another safe area.
The rate of crime in Bridlemile is approximately 22.37 incidents per 1,000 residents during a standard year, which is considerably lower than the average U.S. neighborhood.
The neighborhood is especially notable for its very low violent crime rate, which includes crimes such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder. For instance, the rate of violent crime in Bridlemile is only about 0.9057 per 1,000 residents, earning an A+ grade for violent crime safety.
In terms of property crimes, Bridlemile’s rate is lower compared to many other neighborhoods, with a B+ grade in this category. The area sees a range of property crimes such as theft, vehicle theft, burglary, and arson, but at rates that are lower than many other places.
Residents generally consider the western part of Bridlemile to be the safest.
Homestead
This neighborhood in West Hills has a crime rate that’s generally considered to be about average when compared to other U.S. neighborhoods.
Homestad has an overall crime grade of C+, indicating that the rate of crime is roughly on par with the national average. This is according to CrimeGrade.org, which also notes that 48% of neighborhoods are safer while 52% are more dangerous.
In terms of specific crime rates, the violent crime rate in Homestead is 2.416 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, earning a grade of D+. This includes crimes such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder.
The property crime rate, which encompasses theft, vehicle theft, burglary, and arson, stands at 25.21 incidents per 1,000 residents and is graded C. The total crime rate in Homestead is reported as 34.45 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.
Residents generally consider the central part of Homestead to be the safest, with variations in safety perceived across different parts of the neighborhood.
Is Portland Oregon a Safe Place to Live?
Despite Portland residents potentially having biased opinions, it may be worth checking what others think are the safest places to live in Portland. In a recent Reddit thread, I found the following comments:
- SW Portland, John’s Landing specifically. Quiet, safe, close to river and bike path. Very family and dog friendly. Not as many amenities as some neighborhoods, but we’ve got coffee shops/cafes, a few decent restaurants, a Zupan’s (Safeway and New Seasons just over the bridge in Sellwood and Freddy’s in Burlingame), NW Growler’s. It’s significantly less hectic than living close in. Still only a 5 mi commute to downtown. – one user said.
- Boise, Arbor Lodge are pretty safe and great! I don’t think there’s a “no go” neighborhood here. There’s some spots that are rougher. But honestly you’ll be fine probably everywhere, despite what the firing squad in the comments sections claim. – another one added.
- Crime does not have a zip code.. That being said Dunthorpe is where you want to live when you can afford it. If you’re a renter, Kerns, Sunnyside, and Richmons are probably a good bet. – one concluded.
As you can see, there are plenty of neighborhoods or suburbs in the Portland area where you can live without fearing for your safety.
Wrp-Up: Safest Areas in Portland
Portland and its surrounding neighborhoods have a range of safe communities.
Whether you prefer the peaceful nature of the suburban living or the lively energy of the city, there are options for everyone to find a comfortable and safe place to live in Portland.
You will like:
10 Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Oakland
7 Safest Neighborhoods In Sacramento
5 Most Affordable Beach Towns In Oregon
12 Pros & Cons Of Living In Oregon
7 Safest Neighborhoods in Seattle
10 Safest Big Cities to Live on The West Coast
10 Pros and Cons of Living in Boise, ID
6 Safest Places to Live in Montana
13 Safest Neighborhoods In San Diego