Is Nashua or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Nashua is safer than Portsmouth (Safety Score 59/100 vs 57/100), with a total crime rate of 1,424 per 100,000 versus 1,476 for Portsmouth — 4% lower. Nashua has lower rates in 4 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portsmouth has a 39% lower rate.
Note: Nashua is 4.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Nashua — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Nashua, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Nashua | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,424.1 | 1,475.9 | -51.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 162.8 | 191.6 | -28.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 53.9 | 39.2 | +14.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.3 | 8.7 | +5.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 92.4 | 139.3 | -47.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,261.3 | 1,284.3 | -23.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 33.0 | 30.5 | +2.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,141.4 | 1,153.7 | -12.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.9 | 100.1 | -13.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nashua or Portsmouth safer?
Nashua is safer with a total crime rate of 1,424 per 100K vs 1,476 for Portsmouth — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Nashua has a violent crime rate of 162.8 per 100K while Portsmouth has 191.6. Nashua has lower violent crime.
About Nashua, NH
Nashua, once the "Spindletree City" for its textile mills, sits on the Merrimack River near the Massachusetts border. This southern New Hampshire city is the second most populous in the state. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 90,938, Nashua has a total crime rate of 1,424.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, a historic port city on the Piscataqua River, boasts a vibrant arts scene and charming 17th-century architecture. Its compact downtown, home to many independent businesses, makes it a walkable destination. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 22,969, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 1,475.9 per 100,000 residents.