Portland ranks No. 4 among U.S. cities for preventing and reducing gun violence

For the third consecutive year, Portland has been ranked as one of the top cities in America for its readiness to address gun violence using a public health model. Portland climbed five spots to a No. 4 ranking out of 100 cities in the Community Justice's third annual Violence Prevention Index - the only national analysis of local government programs, services, and policies designed to reduce gun and other forms of violence.

This ranking reinforces the viability of Portland's gun violence reduction strategies, and the significant reductions Portland has seen in gun violence. Through partnerships among Portland Ceasefire, Portland Police Bureau, the Office of Violence Prevention, and the many community partners who do this work every day, Portland's firearms homicides and shooting incidents have sharply and steadily decreased by double-digits over the last three years.

"While more work lies ahead, I want to thank all our public safety partners for their incredible work," said Deputy City Administrator for Public Safety Bob Cozzie. "The 2024 Violence Prevention Index report demonstrates just how committed the City of Portland, our local leaders, and our community are to saving lives."

The ranking is based on an assessment of 35 criteria in the categories of Intervention and Risk Factor Reduction, Addressing the Root Causes of Violence, and Local Offices of Violence Prevention.

"This recognition is reflection of Portland's commitment to saving lives and is the result of strong partnerships and community leadership,"said Mayor Keith Wilson. "We'll continue building on this work to ensure community partners and the City continue investing in proven strategies that are demonstrating long-term success in our most impacted communities."

This recognition further highlights Portland's progress in public safety, with the city recording the steepest decline in violent crime among all 68 participating U.S. agencies during the first half of 2025.