| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Biddeford/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 594 | n/a (estimate) | 2,662 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 9.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 67.2 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 35.9 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 45 | n/a | 201.7 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 314 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 98.6 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 479 | n/a | 2,147.0 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 103.1 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 524 | n/a (estimate) | 2,349 | 1,142 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Biddeford crime rate is 25.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Biddeford, there were 70 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 314 per 100,000 individuals, 12.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Biddeford recorded 524 property crimes, amounting to 2349 per 100,000 residents, 33.4% higher than the U.S. average.
Biddeford exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 314 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Biddeford as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Biddeford residents. Out of the respondents (10 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Biddeford were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Biddeford is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Biddeford has an overall crime rate that is 26% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.63 daily occurrences, comprising 0.19 violent crimes and 1.44 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Biddeford as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Biddeford. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Biddeford has decreased by 2.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 23.1%, while property crime has decreased by 1.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Biddeford.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Biddeford crime rates. In Biddeford, the poverty rate stands at 10%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Biddeford crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Biddeford has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Biddeford, the cost of living is 13.65% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Biddeford | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 66 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| West Kennebunk, ME | 1,190 | 14 | 160 | 174 |
| Gorham, ME | 7,536 | 22 | 398 | 420 |
| North Berwick, ME | 1,778 | 171 | 284 | 455 |
| Lake Arrowhead, ME | 2,809 | 42 | 483 | 526 |
| Kennebunkport, ME | 1,225 | 27 | 619 | 646 |
| Kennebunk, ME | 5,932 | 66 | 631 | 698 |
| Scarborough, ME | 5,384 | 62 | 1,056 | 1,118 |
| Biddeford, ME | 22,077 | 314 | 2,349 | 2,662 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bonney Lake, WA | 22,079 | 184 | 1,703 | 1,887 |
| Bear, DE | 22,065 | 360 | 1,742 | 2,102 |
| Portsmouth, NH | 22,060 | 187 | 1,284 | 1,472 |
| Pickerington, OH | 22,095 | 135 | 1,098 | 1,233 |
| Carrboro, NC | 22,056 | 181 | 1,929 | 2,110 |
| Biddeford, ME | 22,077 | 314 | 2,349 | 2,662 |
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