Is Detroit or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Detroit is safer than Portland (Safety Score 2/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 6,087 per 100,000 versus 6,247 for Portland — 3% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portland has a 66% lower rate.
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Portland, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 6,246.7 | -159.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 720.5 | +1,061.1 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 10.8 | +20.4 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 50.9 | +42.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 177.4 | +6.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 481.2 | +992.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 5,526.2 | -1,220.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 727.4 | -24.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 3,921.3 | -1,577.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 877.6 | +380.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Portland safer?
Detroit is safer with a total crime rate of 6,087 per 100K vs 6,247 for Portland — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Portland has 720.5. Portland has lower violent crime.
About Detroit, MI
Detroit, once the "Motor City" and heart of the American auto industry, sits on the Detroit River, bordering Canada. This major Midwest city has a diverse population, with a significant African American heritage shaping its vibrant culture. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 651,171, Detroit has a total crime rate of 6,086.9 per 100,000 residents.