Top 10 Worst Neighborhoods In Portland (2026)

Every city has good and bad areas, no matter how relative they may be. The worst neighborhoods in Portland are therefore the parts of Portland that must be approached with caution.

The lack of economic opportunities, as well as undocumented gang related activities are just some of the reasons why this city has largely become run down and bedeviled with crime.

However, these are the places where extra caution must be taken when visiting Portland, Oregon.

Top 10 Worst Neighborhoods In Portland

1. Powellhurst

Powellhurst ranks as one of Portland’s most dangerous neighborhoods, with the highest crime rate of the 63 neighborhoods analyzed. Located in outer Southeast Portland, this large neighborhood of over 25,000 residents has a median income of just $40,114 and a median home value of $186,475. The area struggles with high crime, unemployment, and low property values, creating conditions that perpetuate safety challenges.

Powellhurst’s high crime rate is driven by both violent and property offenses, and the neighborhood has seen persistent issues with drug activity and homelessness. Community organizations are working to address these challenges, but the area remains one of Portland’s most troubled.

2. Saint Johns

Saint Johns tops recent ranking of the most dangerous Portland neighborhoods. This North Portland neighborhood has a median income of $60,428 and a home value of $227,860. Despite its historic downtown and community feel, Saint Johns faces significant challenges with crime, unemployment, and economic distress that place it at the top of the worst neighborhoods list. The area has a strong sense of community identity, but this has not been enough to overcome the persistent crime issues that affect residents and businesses alike.

3. Centennial

Centennial is a Southeast Portland neighborhood where ongoing violence has left residents frustrated and fearful. The area near Southeast Stark Street and 148th Avenue has experienced multiple drive-by shootings and violent incidents in recent years. Residents describe hearing gunshots regularly and say the area near the 7-Eleven attracts criminal activity, feeling particularly unsafe at night. The neighborhood has a median income of $51,060 and faces challenges with homelessness and addiction. Community members have called for increased police presence and investment in youth programs to address the root causes of violence.

4. Hazelwood

Hazelwood has recorded more homicides than any other Portland neighborhood since 2021, with 34 killings, including 10 in a five-block radius around East Burnside Street and 122nd Avenue. Despite these statistics, Hazelwood’s homicide rate per capita ranks 13th among mid-sized neighborhoods. The troubled intersection is home to low-income housing and social services, including the Blackburn Center. Residents report feeling unsafe walking in the area, particularly in the evening, citing frequent public drug use. The neighborhood has a median income of $53,042 and faces significant challenges related to poverty and disinvestment.

5. Parkrose

Parkrose ranks among Portland’s most dangerous neighborhoods according to 2026 data. Located in Northeast Portland, this neighborhood of about 5,600 residents has a median income of $58,037 and a home value of $329,625. Recent crime reports from the area show assaults, thefts, and vandalism occurring regularly, particularly along major corridors like Northeast 122nd Avenue. The neighborhood’s proximity to major transportation routes makes it a target for property crime, and residents have expressed concerns about safety in certain areas after dark.

6. Haden Island

Haden Island is a small neighborhood of just 565 residents that ranks third on the worst neighborhoods list. With a median income of $60,522 and a home value of $149,050, the area faces significant economic challenges. Its small population means crime statistics can be dramatically affected by individual incidents, but the neighborhood’s persistent economic distress and limited resources contribute to its safety issues. The area’s isolated location and limited commercial investment have made it difficult to attract the resources needed for improvement.

7. Portsmouth

Portsmouth ranks fourth among Portland’s most dangerous neighborhoods. This North Portland neighborhood of about 10,600 residents has a median income of $46,666 and a home value of $250,000. The area faces challenges with crime and economic distress, contributing to its placement on the worst neighborhoods list. Portsmouth has a strong community identity and active neighborhood associations, but these have not been sufficient to overcome the persistent crime and poverty issues that affect the area.

8. Cully

Cully ranks seventh on the worst neighborhoods list, with a median income of $68,454 and a home value of $371,260. This Northeast Portland neighborhood faces challenges with crime and unemployment. The area is part of the broader East Portland corridor that a Portland State University study identified as facing the highest multi-hazard climate risks, including flooding and extreme heat. These environmental challenges compound the social and economic issues that contribute to crime in the neighborhood.

9. Foster Powell

Foster Powell ranks tenth among Portland’s most dangerous neighborhoods. This Southeast Portland neighborhood has a median income of $54,018 and a home value of $250,786. The area faces challenges with crime and economic distress, though it benefits from proximity to the revitalizing Foster-Powell commercial corridor. The neighborhood has seen some investment in recent years, but crime remains a concern for residents and businesses.

10. Madison South

Madison South ranks ninth on the worst neighborhoods list, with a median income of $66,078 and a home value of $352,820. This Northeast Portland neighborhood faces challenges with crime and unemployment. Like other East Portland neighborhoods, it was historically affected by redlining and chronic underinvestment. These historical inequities continue to shape the neighborhood’s current challenges, though community groups are working to address them through advocacy and investment.

COMPARISON TABLE

Rank	Neighborhood	Population	Median Income	Home Value	Key Challenge
1	Powellhurst	25,760	$40,114	$186,475	Highest crime rate of 63 neighborhoods
2	Saint Johns	7,933	$60,428	$227,860	#1 most dangerous in HomeSnacks ranking
3	Centennial	22,726	$51,060	$279,580	Ongoing gun violence, resident fear
4	Hazelwood	~26,000	$53,042	$308,732	34 homicides since 2021
5	Parkrose	5,614	$58,037	$329,625	Regular assaults, thefts, vandalism
6	Haden Island	565	$60,522	$149,050	Small population, economic distress
7	Portsmouth	10,654	$46,666	$250,000	Crime and economic challenges
8	Cully	13,078	$68,454	$371,260	Crime, unemployment, climate hazards
9	Foster Powell	7,801	$54,018	$250,786	Crime and economic distress
10	Madison South	7,738	$66,078	$352,820	Crime, unemployment, historic redlining

TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING PORTLAND’S SAFETY LANDSCAPE

Check Official Crime Data: Safety varies dramatically across Portland’s neighborhoods. The safest areas, including Laurelhurst (crime index 32), Grant Park (34), and Alameda (25), earn A+ grades and are far below the national average. Use the Portland Police Bureau’s crime map and resources like DoorProfit for block-level data.

East Portland Faces Disproportionate Challenges: A Portland State University study found that East Portland neighborhoods along I-205 are the city’s multi-hazard hotspot, facing the highest risks from flooding, extreme heat, wildfires, and landslides. These areas were historically redlined and have experienced chronic underinvestment.

Crime Trends Are Improving: Overall shootings and homicides across Portland have fallen since 2021, The city’s overall crime rate remains 20% below the national average.

Consider the Suburbs for Maximum Safety: For those prioritizing safety, Portland-area suburbs like West Linn (0.5 violent crimes per 1,000), Lake Oswego, and Sandy rank among Oregon’s safest communities.

CONCLUSION

Portland’s most challenged neighborhoods are concentrated in outer East Portland, where historic redlining, chronic underinvestment, and economic distress have created conditions for persistent crime. Powellhurst and Saint Johns rank as the most dangerous neighborhoods based on comprehensive crime and economic data. Hazelwood has experienced more homicides than any other neighborhood, though its per-capita rate is lower than several other areas. Centennial residents report ongoing gun violence and feel neglected by the city.

Despite these challenges, Portland’s overall crime rate remains below the national average, and many neighborhoods offer safe, vibrant communities with crime indices well below the city average. For residents and visitors, checking block-level crime data and understanding the geographic concentration of challenges provides the best foundation for staying safe in Portland.