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Violent Crime in Portsmouth, Virginia (2026)

425.5 per 100K · 17% above national avg · Grade C+

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 425.5 per 100K, which is 17% above the national average of 363.8. Grade: C+. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 235 per year.

In 2026, the violent crime rate in Portsmouth, Virginia is 425.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 17% above the national average of 363.8. That puts Portsmouth's violent crime above the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Violent Crime Rate: Portsmouth vs State and National Averages

Portsmouth
425.5
Virginia Avg
370.6
National Avg
363.8

Rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI UCR data.

Your Odds: Violent Crime in Portsmouth

1 in 235

Approximate chance of being affected by violent crime in Portsmouth in a given year, based on the rate of 425.5 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Violent Crime?

Violent crime includes offenses where force or the threat of force is used against a victim. The FBI classifies four crimes as violent: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Other Crime Types in Portsmouth

B-
Property Crime1996.4/100K · 9% above avg
C+
Murder6.1/100K · 7% above avg
C
Assault359.6/100K · 34% above avg
C
Robbery101.8/100K · 61% above avg
C+
Burglary304.4/100K · 13% above avg
C+
Theft1644.0/100K · 17% above avg
B
Vehicle Theft186.1/100K · 42% below avg

Violent Crime in Nearby Virginia Cities

CityGradeRate
Roanoke
C+
422.0
Suffolk
C+
429.2
Lynchburg
C+
366.3
Hampton
C+
415.5
Harrisonburg
C+
393.8
Leesburg
B-
342.5

Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crime in Portsmouth

How bad is violent crime in Portsmouth?
As of 2026, Portsmouth's violent crime rate of 425.5 per 100K is 17% above the national average. It ranks behind 57% of US cities for violent crime.
What is the violent crime rate in Portsmouth?
As of 2026, 425.5 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 363.8 per 100K.
Is violent crime increasing in Portsmouth?
Crime rates in Portsmouth have been stable overall. Violent Crime has not shown significant movement.
How does Portsmouth's violent crime compare to Virginia?
Portsmouth performs better than most Virginia cities on violent crime. Its rate of 425.5 per 100K is above the national average when compared nationally.
What are the odds of being a victim of violent crime in Portsmouth?
Based on the rate of 425.5 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 235 residents could be affected by violent crime in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Portsmouth safe from violent crime?
Portsmouth is about average for violent crime. The rate of 425.5 per 100K is above the national average. Awareness and normal precautions go a long way.
Back to Portsmouth safety overviewHow we calculate grades

2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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