Portland might seem picture-perfect in a few ways. It has progressive laws, excellent public transit, and a lively arts and food scene. There are great schools, endless things to do, and yes, even the famous Voodoo Doughnut.
But before you make plans to move to Portland (or even visit), there are a few things worth knowing. The city has changed a lot in the past 10–20 years. Rising crime, a worsening drug problem, and a growing unhoused population have made some neighborhoods less safe than they used to be. Some longtime residents have moved away, and others have simply shifted to different parts of the city.
If you’re thinking of visiting or relocating, here are some neighborhoods that locals generally agree are not the best places to spend time—especially at night. They’re not war zones, but they do come with enough issues to make most people second-guess living there or walking through alone after dark.
Related: Living in Portland as a Conservative
So does Portland have ghettos?
Not in the traditional sense, but yes—there are areas with high crime, low economic opportunity, and social instability. While Portland’s rougher neighborhoods aren’t comparable to the worst parts of cities like Chicago or Detroit, they do have serious problems. Think more neglected and unsafe than actively dangerous.
In short, sure, you can get shot or mugged in Portland. However, the rougher areas of the city have very little in common with the inner-city areas of other major cities.
Instead of places that should never be approached, Portland mostly has some “crappy” neighborhoods which are not-great places to live and shouldn’t be ventured into after dark.
In this article, we will go over the worst Portland neighborhoods for visitors and homeowners, including:
- Centennial
- Bridgeton
- St. Johns
- Kenton
- Parkrose
- Mill Park
- Sunderland
- Lloyd District
- Powell Hurst
- Old Town Chinatown
- Montavilla
- Powellhurst-Gilbert
- Hazelwood
If you’re looking for current safety statistics, consulting a crime map of the city is probably your best bet.
Worst Neighborhoods & Areas In Portland, Oregon
1. Centennial
Located in East Portland, Centennial consistently ranks among the city’s highest for violent crime. While it’s not as extreme as some big-city neighborhoods nationally, it’s considered one of the roughest parts of Portland. The area has minimal surveillance, high drug activity, and a visible unhoused population.
2. Bridgeton
Bridgeton walks a strange line. It has country clubs and waterfront homes, but parts of the neighborhood remain sparsely populated and oddly deserted, especially at night. It’s experienced gentrification, but there’s still a notable wealth gap that creates tension. Theft is the most common issue here.
3. St. Johns
With over 14,000 residents, St. Johns has a small-town feel that draws people in. But it also has a high rate of petty crime and assaults. The neighborhood is dense, and while it has plenty of middle-class residents, it also has pockets that struggle with crime and safety concerns.
4. Kenton
A tight-knit community with strong local pride, Kenton isn’t necessarily unsafe if you’re familiar with the area. But it can be unwelcoming to outsiders and is known for higher-than-average crime, especially theft and assault. The nightlife here is active, but newcomers should keep their wits about them.
5. Parkrose
Parkrose has an interesting mix of gentrification and unrest. It’s a hub for young professionals, but crime stats don’t lie. The area sees double the national average for murder and assault, and motor vehicle theft is rampant. It’s not a neighborhood you want to explore after dark.
6. Sunderland
Sunderland is small and mostly residential, but crime is still disproportionately high for its size. It doesn’t have the infrastructure or population density to explain its crime rate, making it one of those neighborhoods where even locals tend to steer clear.
7. Lloyd District
The Lloyd District is dense and vibrant, especially with its nightlife and shopping. But it has some of the highest crime rates in the city. Vehicle theft, robbery, and even murder are all significantly above national averages. It’s a hot spot for both tourism and criminal activity.
8. Mill Park
Mill Park seems relatively peaceful on the surface, but it hides pockets of high crime. Petty theft and assaults happen less often than in some areas, but murder and vehicle theft rates are still well above national norms. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, it can be a risky bet.
9. Old Town
Low rent and high density mean Old Town attracts a transient and low-income population. Crime here is especially concentrated and dramatic: assaults, robbery, and theft are all many times the national average. It might have cultural charm, but it’s not a safe place to wander.
In fact, Old Town’s crime rate is alarmingly higher than the national average:
With 7.9 times more assaults, 3.3 times more murders, 6.5 times more instances of robbery, 4.7 times more theft, and 3.4 times more motor vehicle thefts, Old Town is better for criminals than visitors.
10. Powell Hurst
With over 27,000 residents, Powellhurst-Gilbert is one of Portland’s more densely populated neighborhoods. But its size doesn’t help its reputation. It has high rates of assault, burglary, and vehicle theft—all worsened by the wide economic gap among residents.
11. Hazelwood
Hazelwood has seen a demographic shift, with more renters replacing long-time homeowners. Crime has followed that trend. Double the national rate for theft, four times the average for vehicle theft, and an elevated assault rate make it one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in the city. Avoid the area around the Gateway Transit Center in particular.
12. Montavilla
Montavilla looks great on paper and isn’t as bad as some on this list. But it has a problem with theft and car prowls, especially where affluence attracts unwanted attention. If you don’t know the area well, it’s best to be cautious—especially at night.
13. Powellhurst-Gilbert
South of Mill Park, Powellhurst has its share of safety issues. The area is home to people across the economic spectrum, but that mix has led to higher-than-average burglary, theft, and assault rates.
Final Thoughts
Every city has its less desirable areas, and Portland is no exception. While these neighborhoods might not all be dangerous in the traditional sense, they have enough red flags to warrant caution.
That said, there are still good people and positive things happening in each of these neighborhoods. The goal here isn’t to shame anyone—it’s to help visitors and future residents make informed decisions.
If you live in one of these areas and disagree, that’s fair. Neighborhoods change. But if you’re new to Portland or just passing through, it’s probably best to be cautious in these parts of town, especially after dark.
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