Urban Abroad

Urban Planning and Travel Blog

  • Start Here
    • About
  • Destinations
    • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • USA/Canada
    • Latin America
  • Living Abroad
  • Sustainability
  • Resources
Home / Travel Blog

Is Portland Safe?

Travel Blog Last Updated · Jan 26th, 2025

Welcome to Portland, Oregon! Portland is one of the safest cities for tourists who travel with precaution!
Welcome to Portland, Oregon! Portland is one of the safest cities for tourists who travel with precaution!

Is Portland, Oregon safe for new travelers?

The U.S.A is one of the best countries in the world for tourism. No matter whether you’re visiting as a first-timer or you’re living like a local there is something for you.

Although many tourists go for the typical cities: LA, NYC, or Miami, there are always alternatives that some visitors deem as better, and in more ways than one.

Portland is viewed as one of the more remote cities in the country, with it being in the northwest of America, north of LA. But is it safe? Let’s find out!

Table of Contents

  • Is Portland safe?
    • How safe is Portland?
  • Portland crime rate
    • Is Portland safe for tourists?
    • Is Portland safe at night?
    • Is it safe to be alone in Portland?
    • Is Portland safe for solo female travelers?
  • Where to stay in Portland
  • Areas to avoid in Portland
  • Portland: Travel safety tips
    • Best time to visit Portland
  • Is Portland safe? Final Words

Is Portland safe?

In this guide, we will cover travel safety in Portland so you can ensure your trip to Oregon’s largest city is a safe one and so you can avoid some of the common pitfalls that happen to some of the unfortunate people who arrive here.

travel safety portland oregon

Firstly, as a visitor to Portland, you will be glad to know that the city has various smart city initiatives ongoing such as air quality and traffic safety sensors.

America can be considered quite similar to other English-speaking countries such as Australia in terms of culture and quality of life, so visitors know what to expect.

Despite the underground donut tours and the mishmash of day trips on offer here, the big question is, whether life is the same when visiting a city like Portland?

How safe is Portland?

Whereas many cities in America have a consistent crime rate, Portland is currently a very special case. Even as recent as 4 or 5 years ago, we would’ve called Portland one of the safest cities in the western hemisphere.

A mural that honors George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement in one of the streets of Portland, Oregon.
A mural that honors George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement in one of the streets of Portland, Oregon.

However, with the murder of George Floyd and the political situation in America today, there’s no telling when the next protest will be and how bad it will get.

Travel Portland says:

“Yes, Portland remains a safe city for visitors. We recommend that visitors to Portland exercise the same caution, concern, and common sense as when traveling to any metropolitan destination. Given isolated incidents of violence at public demonstrations, Travel Portland recommends visitors avoid demonstration areas, which are typically removed from many businesses and attractions popular with visitors to our area.”

Whether the news media perpetuates the notion of Portland being ‘autonomous’ is up for debate.

Portland crime rate

  • Homicides in Portland increased from 28 in 2019 to 54 in 2020.
  • Murder is below the national average, but violent crime is above the national average.
  • Almost a quarter of households are below the poverty line.
  • Violent crime peaked in 1995 and has more than halved since.
  • Most popular type of crime is larceny.

Is Portland safe for tourists?

Yes, Portland is a safe city for most tourists, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down if you are here on vacation or visiting the city while on business.

is portland safe right now

If you decide to rent a car here, common sense dictates you shouldn’t leave your smartphone in plain view in a locked car and expect it to remain there, etc.

Even some of the busy and most built-up areas of the city have smash-and-grab thefts, so lock your car doors and don’t leave visible temptation.

The first thing we would say to anyone who decides to use a bike is that bike theft is a big deal in Portland since these thefts are often fueled by drug use.

If you rent a bike make sure the rental company outfits you with adequate locks (and that you follow their locking instructions).

When on a short trip, you can reduce the risk of bike theft by doing a guided bike tour which will even take you to some off the beaten path areas of Portland.

Is Portland safe at night?

Yes, Portland is a safe city to walk around at night. Avoid the area of West Burnside Street where in particular drug crimes are a daily occurrence. It’s always recommended to walk around the city as a group of people after dark too.

A neighborhood in Portland. Crime rate in Portland usually depends on the type of neighborhood.
A neighborhood in Portland. The crime rate in Portland usually depends on the type of neighborhood.

Aim to avoid deserted streets, as well as the outskirts of Portland. Stick to well-lit areas in the touristic zones or where you see there are other people around.

Also, avoid Old Town in downtown, Hazelwood, Centennial and Powellhurst neighborhoods for their high crime rates. We still suggest carrying a money stash like this one with you to conceal your belongings while out exploring the city.

Is it safe to be alone in Portland?

Yes, it’s safe to be alone in Portland but it’s not recommended to walk around the city at night. If you do, then make sure to be with a companion or in a group.

Drinking coffee at a park - a simple but safe activity any person can do in Portland!
Drinking coffee at a park – a simple but safe activity any person can do in Portland!

Stay around the most popular areas of the city and avoid the northern and eastern districts. Exercise caution when you’re using public transport as it might pass by high-crime districts of the city. Don’t carry large amounts of cash and wear flashy jewelry to avoid attracting the attention of possible petty thieves.

Is Portland safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Portland is absolutely safe for solo female travelers. It’s safe to walk around both during the day and at night, as long as you don’t venture into some of the more crime-ridden parts of the northern and eastern districts of the city.

Use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times even when using public transport. Avoid having too many drinks late at night can instantly turn you into a target for petty thieves or a magnet for other criminals.

Where to stay in Portland

Portland is very limited in choices for staying compared to the likes of New York City. Most visitors decide that Downtown is the only option.

Never Coffee in Downtown Portland - one of the popular coffee shops in the area
Never Coffee in Downtown Portland – one of the popular coffee shops in the area

Downtown: without a doubt, downtown is one the best places to stay in Portland if you are visiting for the first time. Expect live music venues/bars and the most prominent dining scene to suit all budgets. Experience weekend markets as well as free galleries and museums. With boutique hotels such as Woodlark, you can have a luxury stay here.

Hawthorne: for those with a free spirit attitude, this district makes a great (and affordable) place to stay. Here you can find pubs, clubs and a thriving nightlife scene. During the day you can expect bookstores, vintage shops and a host of vegetarian restaurants + much more.

Central Eastside: has an industrial vibe to it (think train tracks and factories). This area is famous for its coffee shops and bistros. You’ll find some worthy gastro-pubs too. Craft beer and fine dining are just two things to sample here. While here, we suggest you book at stay at Jupiter Hotel for the most stylish rooms.

Areas to avoid in Portland

There are some areas of Portland that are run down and better that you avoid as a tourist. The kind of places where property crimes and violence are rife.

Old Town, which is frequently listed as one of the tourist areas in Portland is also close to parts of the city where of some violent crimes happen.

In the eastern side of the city aim to avoid:

  • Hazelwood, near the Getaway Transit Center
  • Centennial
  • Lents
  • Powellhurst
  • Burnside downtown

When you start to see graffiti everywhere, or an influx of homeless people you may want to turn back, or, get an Uber back to a safer space in the city.

Portland: Travel safety tips

If you are in trouble or you feel unsafe - reach out to authorized personnel, such as the police in order to be safe
If you are in trouble or you feel unsafe – reach out to authorized personnel, such as the police in order to be safe

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, remember to dial 9-1-1. The emergency services in Portland are incredible, always helpful, and never ignore calls. Only use the number when it’s an emergency situation and stay safe.

Here are some tips to help you out when in the streets of Portland:

  • Do not carry a weapon for self-defense, as introducing a weapon can increase the severity of an attack.
  • Always carry your cash and valuables in a front or inside pocket and consider a money belt if you want to be super cautious.
  • Never let your drink out of your sight and don’t sample drinks from anyone – even friends or acquaintances that you may meet while out and about.
  • See more safety tips on preventing drug-facilitated sexual assaults.
  • Alcohol and “date rape” drugs are used in many sexual assaults – if you are going to drink, do so responsibly and be with trusted friends so you can look out for each other.
  • Always have a cell phone along with you, if you have one.
  • If you are traveling on a budget, be sure to take a look at one of the many Top Rated Hostels in Portland for a unique experience.
  • Make sure you find out if there are any protests or demonstrations before traveling and stay clear of large groups if you see one.
  • Stay alert, stand tall and be confident, if an attacker targets someone, they’re most likely scared.

Overall, you won’t need to abide by any rules or advice for safety. Portland has hardly any crime towards tourists, so imagine yourself at your own place of personal safety at home.

Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home, and don’t put yourself in harm’s way.

Best time to visit Portland

Roses in International Rose Test Garden are in full bloom during the summer
Roses in International Rose Test Garden are in full bloom during the summer

We went to our trusted source on all things meteorological, Travel US News:

“The best time to visit Portland is from June to August when consistently warm weather allows the city’s outdoorsy culture to thrive. Plus, summer is when the city’s roses (especially at the International Rose Test Garden) are in full bloom. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you’ll have to book at least a couple months in advance to ensure availability and the best room rates. If you’re looking to score a bargain on a hotel, consider a winter trip. Chilly temperatures repel sightseers, but Portland’s proximity to Mount Hood makes it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find a variety of niche local events to choose from.”

Is Portland safe? Final Words

Overall, there is nothing to worry about if you’re looking for a cool hangout in Portland. It’s a very safe city with great record stores and coffee shops.

It really is an introvert’s dream. You may have a perception of danger due to the news reports, but this is largely untrue!

What do you think? Book your trip to Portland today, also, see our sustainable travel tips to ensure that your trip has a positive effect on the environment.


Dear responsible traveler: This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Travel Blog Tagged With: North America

🔒 Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

🌍 Search sustainable adventures:

Powered by GetYourGuide
Thank you for reading our lifestyle blog about travel and sustainable urban living.

Recent Posts

  • Things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador
  • Best time to visit Cartagena
  • How many days in Lima?
  • Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

Topics

  • Living Abroad
  • Mexico Travel Blog
  • Sustainability
  • Travel Blog

Copyright© 2025 · Urban Abroad · Private Policy
Urban Abroad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.de. Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT