Is Medford or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Medford is safer than Portland (Safety Score 6/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,324 per 100,000 versus 6,247 for Portland — 31% lower. Medford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 7.4x 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 Medford, OR?
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, OR
Portland, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,323.7 | 6,246.7 | -1,923.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.9 | 720.5 | -228.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 10.8 | -7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 63.7 | 50.9 | +12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 89.7 | 177.4 | -87.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.0 | 481.2 | -146.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,831.7 | 5,526.2 | -1,694.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 290.2 | 727.4 | -437.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,338.6 | 3,921.3 | -582.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 202.9 | 877.6 | -674.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Portland safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 4,324 per 100K vs 6,247 for Portland — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 491.9 per 100K while Portland has 720.5. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, OR
Medford, in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, is a regional hub known for its pear orchards and proximity to Crater Lake. The city's population is around 85,000, with a significant retiree community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,766, Medford has a total crime rate of 4,323.7 per 100,000 residents.