Is Portsmouth or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portsmouth is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 5/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,613 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 12% lower. Portsmouth has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Antonio has a 77% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 15.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth, VA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portsmouth | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,613.2 | 5,219.0 | -605.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 752.4 | 595.3 | +157.1 |
| Murder Rate | 37.1 | 8.4 | +28.7 |
| Rape Rate | 36.0 | 83.7 | -47.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 167.8 | 108.4 | +59.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 511.6 | 393.7 | +117.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,860.8 | 4,623.6 | -762.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 424.1 | 495.6 | -71.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,920.1 | 3,291.8 | -371.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 516.7 | 836.3 | -319.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or San Antonio safer?
Portsmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 4,613 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 752.4 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio has lower violent crime.
About Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, Virginia, established in 1752, sits across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Home to the historic Gosport Shipyard, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,156, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,613.2 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.