Is Portsmouth Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Portsmouth, Virginia, is a stronghold of maritime, military, and American history just across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk.

This area is known as Hampton Roads, named for the protected natural harbor formed by the confluence of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth rivers, providing a critical gateway to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

This deepwater port has been a strategic location dating back to 1608 when Captain John Smith first landed here.

Hampton Roads includes several cities, such as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News.

This area’s significance lies in its military and commercial port activities, with major naval bases and shipyards, including the Norfolk Naval Shipyard located in Portsmouth itself.

Portsmouth is largely residential, but the Olde Towne District and waterfront have an abundance of things to do on the water and in historic neighborhoods.

Unlike the bustling tourism of Virginia Beach or the urban energy of Norfolk, Portsmouth offers a more intimate experience.

However, you can easily get to the heart of Norfolk via a three-mile drive or a quick ferry ride.

Warnings & Dangers in Portsmouth

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in Portsmouth due to high crime rates, which must be understood before you visit. However, you can also easily avoid the biggest risks and enjoy all the city has to offer.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Hampton Roads Transit is the public transportation system that covers the city and the region. Taxis and rideshares are readily available in this busy area. Rental cars are another option. Unfortunately, there's no quick fix to avoid all the traffic here, but you have plenty of low-risk possibilities to help get around.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About seven pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year, which is a low risk compared to the extremely high theft rate. You are much more likely to have your vehicle broken into, which should prompt you to lock your car every time you park and to always remove personal items from inside.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk, with the main concerns being tropical storms or hurricanes between June and November, flooding and storm surges from nor'easters, and occasional severe thunderstorms.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

One-third of robberies are considered highway robberies, which is the category muggings would fall into. The overall robbery rate is 160% higher than the national average. Treat this as a medium risk, but it should be helpful to know that very few robberies are random acts of violence.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

This is a major shipping port with the Naval Shipyard on this side of the river, making it a medium risk no matter how you look at it. However, that risk is largely negated by the intense security on the water, ground, and air. You can help by reporting any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The most common scams here largely target residents, such as fake law enforcement phone calls demanding money, driveway repair scams, and fraudsters going door-to-door. You can always check the latest fraud and scam reports on the police department's social media sites. The risk is low, but keep it that way by knowing the common tactics.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women are less likely to be victims of violent crime in Portsmouth. Plus, there aren't many random acts of violence. However, due diligence and strong personal safety tactics are needed, given the overall high crime rates.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 Water Quality Report shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Portsmouth

Several cities in the nation have the name Portsmouth, so it’s important to know that you’re on the right research pages for the one in Virginia.

The tourism website is portsvacation.com.

Always be sure to look for the 757 area code on websites to know you’re looking at the right Portsmouth.

The city’s rich history is reflected in its beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, particularly in the Olde Towne Historic District.

To get a better look at all the things to do here, visit oldetownportsmouth.com.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum are must-visits for history buffs.

The Naval Shipyard Museum showcases the city’s maritime heritage and its significant role in naval history, while the Lightship Portsmouth, a floating museum, offers an intriguing look at the lives of lightship crew members.

For art enthusiasts, the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center features rotating exhibits of contemporary art in a historic building dating back to 1846.

It also hosts numerous cultural events and workshops throughout the year.

You can also explore the Victorian lifestyle in Portsmouth by visiting the 19th Century Hill House Museum.

The headline on the museum’s website is a bit misleading, stating, “Imagine a family went for an afternoon stroll and never returned home.”

The message is more that the house is so authentic than a mystery case.

The waterfront area, known as the Seawall, provides scenic views of the Elizabeth River.

In previous years, the Seawall was determined to be structurally unsound, but major improvements have been made for it to be safe for you today.

The Seawall connects to the Portsmouth Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts and events.

To make the most out of your trip to Olde Towne Portsmouth, get a copy of the Path to History self-guided walking tour.

All the highlights are in that helpful guide and informational kiosks are along the path.

Eight other walking tours are available, from art to architecture.

The nearby Children’s Museum of Virginia is perfect for families, offering interactive exhibits that engage kids in science, technology, and history.

It’s the largest of its kind in the state, with two stories and a planetarium.

Nature lovers can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Elizabeth River through guided kayak tours or by visiting Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, a 142-acre sanctuary with trails, bird-watching opportunities, and kayaking.

Places to Avoid in Portsmouth

The crime problems in Portsmouth are widespread, and there isn’t just one part of town to avoid.

Many neighborhoods come with a certain amount of risk.

The larger problem when answering this question is that Portsmouth doesn’t have much to do, which could lead to visitors driving or walking around looking for activities.

This is 100% what you should NOT do.

You will also find limited hotel groupings in Portsmouth, whereas places like Virginia Beach and Norfolk have larger collections to explore.

I’ll mention this a few times in this article, but the chance of being a victim of a violent crime is low.

However, if you do end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, criminals do not have much concern for people caught in the crossfire.

Plus, you should know that traveling to Norfolk will require going through tunnels, which can cause intense traffic backups.

Driving three miles across the water can take up to a half hour.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Portsmouth

So... How Safe Is Portsmouth Really?

You’ve probably picked up on it by now after reading this article, but Portsmouth has a violent crime problem on top of the property crime issues.

In 2022, violent crime rates were 210% higher than the state average and 91% higher than the national average.

That number has remained relatively static over the past five years, with an average of 14 violent crimes happening per week.

In what might be the lowest percentage I’ve seen in the hundreds of cities I’ve reported on this website, crimes against strangers were just 4% during that time.

That’s one reason a visitor shouldn’t be too worried.

Here’s another – the city leadership is owning the violent crime problem and being transparent about the challenges.

The police department issued a Crime Reduction Plan for 2023, which you can read on its website.

According to Police Chief Stephen Jenkins, violent crime was down almost 3% in 2023.

“It is a start,” Jenkins said. “So, we’re going to take every reduction that we can get.”

The chief also wrote in the plan that “Gun-related violence in the city is becoming harder to predict, and many incidents are occurring due to petty arguments and interpersonal conflicts.”

The more concerning issues for a visitor would be the risk of property crimes and theft.

About seven cars are stolen each week, on average.

Theft is 188% higher than the national average.

About half of all thefts are either car break-ins or car accessory thefts, like those expensive catalytic converters on the underside of the vehicle.

In 2023, one in three thefts was related to shoplifting.

If you’re from a big city, the crime rates here might not even be noticeable.

I’d have a lot more advice if you were thinking of moving to Portsmouth.

However, visitors should use standard precautions and common sense.

All that said, if you’re deciding between Norfolk and Portsmouth, I’d 100% recommend Norfolk.

How Does Portsmouth Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Aside from the humid summers, Portsmouth gets a nice mix of seasons. Summer highs can get into the upper 80s, with the heat index potentially reaching the mid-90s or higher. Spring and fall are fabulous, with highs in the 60s or 70s. Even winters rarely get blowing freezing at night, with highs in the 50s.

Airports

Norfolk International Airport is just 12 miles away, making it the largest and closest airport. Even though it's close, traffic can make the trip take up to an hour.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance financially protects you against baggage theft/loss, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Portsmouth Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City