Is Portsmouth, OH (City Center / Shawnee State University) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Portsmouth, OH - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
6 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an emergency medical service responded to a location near Roby Street for a 74-year-old female experiencing chest and stomach pain, reportedly on the first floor. | Roby St, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded near US 52 in West Portsmouth for an elderly female who fell and needs help getting up. Injuries are unknown. | US-52, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an 87-year-old woman apparently passed out near Bethel Methodist Church on Mullen Cross Road. Squad 9 was assigned to respond. | Malone Cox Rd, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire personnel are dispatched to a location near Odell Cemetery Road in West Portsmouth for a report of power lines down across a driveway, posing a possible utility hazard. | Odell Cemetery Rd b, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Fire |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded near State Route 125 for a middle-aged man with a high fever. | OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a riverside park for a possible medical emergency involving a 24-year-old man who was found passed out, unresponsive but breathing, with a suspected heat-related illness. | Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park, 15888 US-52, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical crews were dispatched for a possible cardiac arrest near Worleys Run Road in West Portsmouth. Squad 1 was requested to back up on the medical call. | Worleys Run Rd, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 30, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a 20-year-old male is reported to be having a seizure near Helen Road. He has a history of seizures. Medic 4 has acknowledged the dispatch. | Helen Rd, South Portsmouth, KY 41174 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 30, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a caller at a residence on Underwood Lane requested an officer to take a report about a possible landlord-tenant dispute, including power being shut off and a claimed eviction notice the previous night. | Cr-1413, South Portsmouth, KY 41174 | Other Non-Crime |
| Jun 30, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services were dispatched to State Route 239 for a 66-year-old male with difficulty breathing after a mower rolled on him around 7 p.m. | OH-239, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
City Center / Shawnee State University is a suburban neighborhood in Portsmouth, Ohio, with a median home price of $124,270, less expensive than 85.5% of Ohio neighborhoods.
Average rent is $1,218, lower than 82.4% of Ohio neighborhoods.
The neighborhood has a high concentration of historic homes, with 61.0% built in 1939 or earlier, more than 96.9% of U.S. neighborhoods.
Vacancy rate is 14.9%, higher than 78.8% of U.S. neighborhoods, indicating many homes may be unoccupied.
Quick Facts
| Historic Homes | 61.0% built 1939 or earlier |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Housing is mostly renter occupied with a large share of historic residences.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 87.5% |
|---|
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
The neighborhood is college-focused with a high enrollment rate and a mix of occupations.
| College Enrollment | 34.6% |
|---|---|
| Sales & Service Jobs | 28.6% |
| Executive & Professional | 28.4% |
| Walking Commute Rate | 15.5% |
Demographics
| Income Rank | Lower than 99.3% of US neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| College Educated Rate | |
| Top Languages | English, Spanish |
| Top Ancestries | German, English, Irish, Mexican, Welsh |
Commute
Residents have very short commutes with a mix of driving, carpooling, and walking.
City Center / Shawnee State University offers very short commutes with a high walk-to-work rate, appealing to those valuing walkability.
| Main Commute Time | Under 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 49.4% |
| Carpool Rate | 21.2% |
| Walk Commute Rate | 15.5% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price?
$124,270, less expensive than 85.5% of Ohio neighborhoods.
How walkable is the neighborhood?
15.5% of residents walk to work, higher than 97.3% of US neighborhoods.