As of 2023, Portland’s crime rate is 171% above the national average, with homelessness becoming an increasing concern. If you are looking to visit or live in the city, it’s important to be familiar with the most dangerous neighborhoods in Portland so you know which areas to avoid.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon
- Sunderland
- Lloyd District
- Centennial
- Powellhurst
- Bridgeton
- Mill Park
- Parkrose
- Kenton
- St. Johns
- Chinatown
1. Sunderland
The most dangerous neighborhood in Portland is Sunderland. Located near Columbia Boulevard and Portland International Airport, Sunderland has more than its fair share of criminal incidents. With a population of just 760, the neighborhood’s total crime rate is 259% above the national average. There were 810 violent crimes and 7,341 property crimes recorded in 2022. Drug trafficking and violent crime are rampant in the area.
2. Lloyd District
Lloyd District is another one of the worst neighborhoods in Portland for crime. Located near downtown and the Broadway Bridge, Lloyd District is a diverse area with lots of criminal activity. Once known as an industrial neighborhood, the area is quickly becoming more residential with many newly built shops and restaurants. Despite this, Lloyd District still has a total crime rate that is 247% above the national average. Crimes such as vehicle thefts, burglaries, assaults, and prostitution are common in the area.
3. Centennial
Often considered to be one of the worst neighborhoods in Portland, Centennial is a hotspot for drug trafficking, homicides, and burglaries. With a population of roughly 20,932, Centennial’s total crime rate is 234% above the national average. There were 778 violent crimes and 7,050 property crimes recorded in 2022. Among these incidents included homicide, shootings, larceny, and rampant car theft.
4. Powellhurst
With a crime rate that is 228% above the national average, Powellhurst is a dangerous Portland neighborhood that is best avoided. A large homeless population contributes to the rampant property crime, drug use, and unsanitary conditions in the area. Violent crime is 96% above the national average, with muggings, assaults, robberies, and occasional homicides occurring.
5. Bridgeton
Bridgeton is a neighborhood along the Columbia River across from Vancouver. Known for having a high homeless population, Bridgeton contains many homeless encampments, with residents often complaining of unsanitary conditions. Out of a population of just 900, Bridgeton’s crime rate is 211% higher than the national average. Property crime is staggering in this neighborhood, with large, unsanitary homeless encampments being commonplace.
6. Mill Park
Mill Park is a neighborhood in east Portland that is known for having a large homeless population. With a population of roughly 10,300, Mill Park’s crime rate is 207% above the national average. There were 715 violent crimes and 6,479 property crimes recorded in 2022. Among these crimes included theft, drug trafficking, homicide, and muggings.
7. Parkrose
Parkrose is an area located between highways 205 and 84 and is known for having a high property crime rate. With a population of around 12,000, Parkrose’s crime rate is 204% above the national average. Like many other Portland neighborhoods, Parkrose struggles with homelessness and a prolific illegal drug market. Residents have to worry about vehicle thefts and home thefts. Violent crimes like robbery and occasional homicide occur within Parkrose.
8. Kenton
Located in northwest Portland, Kenton is a changing area that still struggles with crime. With a population of around 8,500, Kenton’s total crime rate is 171% above the national average. Property crime is abundant in Kenton, with car thefts, burglaries, and larceny being common. Violent crimes such as murder, assault, and robbery occur at similarly high rates. While some areas of Kenton have been revitalized, there is still a large homeless population within the neighborhood.
9. St. Johns
St. Johns is a changing neighborhood that is home to many new stores, parks, and homes. However, many parks in this neighborhood are still home to criminal elements. Much of the neighborhood’s crime occurs on the outskirts, with theft being common. Much of the homeless population has left the area, although a transient element still lingers in some areas, continuing to be a nuisance for transitioning neighborhoods.
10. Chinatown
Chinatown is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Portland. While Chinatown remains a popular tourist district, there are many reasons to exercise caution when visiting. Crimes like robbery, assault, and pickpocketing are common, with many of these crimes targeting unsuspecting tourists. Violent crime does occur, although not at the same rate as property crime. Crime in Chinatown becomes more prevalent after dark.