Is Ashland or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Ashland is safer than Portland (Safety Score 40/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100,000 versus 6,247 for Portland — 68% lower. Ashland has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ashland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 29.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Ashland, OR?
Ashland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ashland, OR
Portland, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ashland | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,019.2 | 6,246.7 | -4,227.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 253.0 | 720.5 | -467.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.8 | -10.8 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 50.9 | -41.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 47.7 | 177.4 | -129.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 195.7 | 481.2 | -285.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,766.2 | 5,526.2 | -3,760.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 205.3 | 727.4 | -522.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,475.0 | 3,921.3 | -2,446.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.9 | 877.6 | -791.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashland or Portland safer?
Ashland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100K vs 6,247 for Portland — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 253.0 per 100K while Portland has 720.5. Ashland has lower violent crime.
About Ashland, OR
Nestled in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This city of roughly 21,000 residents is known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to the Siskiyou Mountains. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 20,949, Ashland has a total crime rate of 2,019.2 per 100,000 residents.