Is Cincinnati or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portsmouth is safer than Cincinnati (Safety Score 5/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,572 per 100,000 versus 4,678 for Cincinnati — 2% lower. Cincinnati has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portsmouth has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Cincinnati is 18.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cincinnati — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cincinnati, OH
Portsmouth, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cincinnati | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,677.8 | 4,572.5 | +105.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 848.5 | 715.0 | +133.5 |
| Murder Rate | 21.8 | 17.3 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 57.1 | 86.5 | -29.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 231.7 | 51.9 | +179.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.0 | 559.3 | -24.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,829.3 | 3,857.5 | -28.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 548.5 | 680.4 | -131.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,395.1 | 2,934.9 | -539.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 885.8 | 242.2 | +643.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati or Portsmouth safer?
Portsmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 4,572 per 100K vs 4,678 for Cincinnati — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cincinnati has a violent crime rate of 848.5 per 100K while Portsmouth has 715.0. Portsmouth has lower violent crime.
About Cincinnati, OH
Nestled along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city of historic architecture, including the iconic Music Hall. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Midwestern industriousness and Southern charm. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 311,599, Cincinnati has a total crime rate of 4,677.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Portsmouth, OH
Portsmouth, Ohio, at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto Rivers, was once a bustling canal town. Its historic murals depict a rich past, though today it faces economic challenges common to many Rust Belt communities. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 17,343, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,572.5 per 100,000 residents.