Saco, ME Crime Rates: Stats & Map

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29%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

61%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

23%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Saco_{/100k people}	Maine_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	347	n/a (estimate)	1,657	1,317	2,324
Murder	0	n/a	0.0	2.2	6.3
Rape	6	n/a	28.7	32.0	40.0
Robbery	1	n/a	4.8	10.0	66.1
Assault	23	n/a	109.9	59.0	268.2
Violent crime	30	n/a (estimate)	143	103	370
Burglary	25	n/a	119.4	115.9	269.8
Theft	265	n/a	1,265.8	1,026.8	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	27	n/a	129.0	70.9	282.7
Property crime	317	n/a (estimate)	1,514	1,214	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Saco, ME

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 Saco is 28.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 30 violent crimes reported in Saco, equivalent to 143 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 61.3%. Additionally, Saco recorded 317 property crimes, amounting to 1514 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 22.5%.

In the latest reported crime year, Saco recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Is Saco a Safe Place to Live?

Is Saco 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, Saco has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.95 daily incidents, encompassing 0.08 violent crimes and 0.87 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Saco as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Saco Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Saco. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Saco has increased by 36.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 6.3%, while property crimes have increased by 42.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Saco

Saco has a population density of 511 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Saco crime rates.

In Saco, 88.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Saco, there are 2.37 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Saco crime map

The Saco crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Saco as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Saco crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Saco crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

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Crime Quick Facts

Saco crime rates are 29% lower than the national average
Violent crimes in Saco are 61% lower than the national average
In Saco you have a 1 in 61 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Saco is safer than 57% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Saco has increased by 32%

Saco, ME Crime Quiz

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Daily Crime In Saco (per 100,000 people)

The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Saco for every 100,000 residents. The Saco total amount of daily crime is 1.26 times more than the Maine average and 1.40 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Saco, is 1.39 times more than the Maine average, and it is 2.58 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Saco has a daily crime average that is 1.25 times more than the Maine average and 1.29 times less than the daily national rate.

How Safe is Saco (higher is better)

Are people any safer living in Saco in comparison to other Maine communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Saco safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Saco being safer than 24% of cities in Maine and 57% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Maine cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Saco. In conclusion, Saco ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Saco

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Saco is 1 in 698

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Saco is 1 in 67

The chance of being a victim of crime in Saco is 1 in 61

Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Saco, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 698. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 67 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Saco is 1 in 61.

Year Over Year Crime In Saco (per 100,000 people)

Determining whether Saco is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Saco violent crime rates have decreased by 9%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 38% year over year. Total crimes for Saco has increased by 32% in the same time frame.

Saco police department

Item	Saco	Maine	National
Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)	44	1,653	558,732
Police officers & civilians /1000 residents	2.4	2.1	3.3

There are a total of 44 Saco police officers. This results in 2.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 14.8% greater than the Maine average and 27.2% less than the National average.

Sex offenders in Maine

State	Total offenders	Maine_/100K	National_/100K
Maine	2,822	220	266

There are a total of 2,822 sex offenders in Maine. This yields a total of 220 sex offenders in Maine per 100,000 residents which is 17% less than the national average.

Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
West Kennebunk, ME	1,154	14	170	185
North Berwick, ME	1,716	97	387	484
Kennebunkport, ME	1,194	0	484	484
Gorham, ME	7,322	43	492	536
Kennebunk, ME	5,792	25	534	559
Lake Arrowhead, ME	2,727	44	520	564
Alfred, ME	997	95	1,118	1,213
Saco, ME	19,716	143	1,514	1,657

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Willmar, MN	19,728	436	2,005	2,441
North Bay Shore, NY	19,728	530	2,126	2,655
Murrysville, PA	19,692	165	876	1,041
Niskayuna, NY	19,741	280	1,123	1,403
West Mifflin, PA	19,742	42	329	371
Saco, ME	19,716	143	1,514	1,657

Source: The Saco, ME crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.