| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Belfast/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 625 | 1,317 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 32.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 14.2 | 59.0 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 14 | 103 | 370 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 28.4 | 115.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 40 | n/a | 568.4 | 1,026.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 14.2 | 70.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 611 | 1,214 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Belfast is 73.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes reported in Belfast, equivalent to 14 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 96.2%. Additionally, Belfast recorded 43 property crimes, amounting to 611 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 68.7%.
Belfast enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 625, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Belfast as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
Belfast shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 14 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Belfast an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Belfast reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Belfast has a property crime rate of 611 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Belfast is a safe place to live.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Belfast. Based on the results of the surveys (11 responses), 82% of people felt that there was very little crime in Belfast and felt safe walking alone at night. While 18% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Belfast a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Belfast has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 73%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.12 daily incidents, encompassing 0 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Belfast as a potential place to call home.
Belfast has a poverty rate that stands at 13.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Belfast crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Belfast, the cost of living is 9.31% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Belfast, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.1 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Belfast | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Maine /100K | National /100K |
| Maine | 2,822 | 220 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Searsport, ME | 1,039 | 0 | 225 | 225 |
| Camden, ME | 3,543 | 0 | 394 | 394 |
| Castine, ME | 813 | 42 | 490 | 532 |
| Bucksport, ME | 2,879 | 39 | 866 | 906 |
| Belfast, ME | 6,710 | 14 | 611 | 625 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Hallie, WI | 6,710 | 150 | 1,333 | 1,483 |
| Avon, CO | 6,711 | 385 | 1,458 | 1,843 |
| Moapa Valley, NV | 6,708 | 403 | 2,112 | 2,515 |
| Lionville, PA | 6,707 | 91 | 482 | 573 |
| Scottsburg, IN | 6,715 | 293 | 1,477 | 1,770 |
| Belfast, ME | 6,710 | 14 | 611 | 625 |
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