| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 166 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2 | n/a | 165.6 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 166 | 1,142 | 1,760 |

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 Ashland is 92.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes reported in Ashland, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 100%. Additionally, Ashland recorded 2 property crimes, amounting to 166 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 90.6%.
With a crime rate of 166, significantly below the national average of 2119, Ashland stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Ashland proudly boasts an impeccable safety record with no reported instances of violent crime. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the city's dedication to fostering a secure environment for its residents and visitors. In an age where safety is so important, Ashland shines as a beacon of tranquility. This absence of violent crime not only solidifies its reputation as a desirable place to live and visit but also provides a profound sense of security for all residents.
In the most recently reported crime year, Ashland registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Ashland, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 166, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Ashland emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.
To determine if Ashland is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Ashland has a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.01 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.01 daily property crimes) in Ashland.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ashland. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ashland has decreased by 50%. Violent crimes have decreased by 100%, while property crimes have decreased by 0%. 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.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Ashland currently has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Ashland, 85.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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 Ashland, the cost of living is 10.14% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Ashland | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Washburn, ME | 1,060 | 51 | 587 | 639 |
| Mapleton, ME | 742 | 112 | 1,276 | 1,388 |
| Ashland, ME | 586 | 0 | 166 | 166 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Otis, CO | 586 | 736 | 4,009 | 4,745 |
| Richland, IA | 586 | 299 | 1,593 | 1,892 |
| Winchester, WI | 586 | 223 | 925 | 1,147 |
| Townsend, TN | 586 | 277 | 949 | 1,226 |
| Carnelian Bay, CA | 586 | 196 | 840 | 1,036 |
| Ashland, ME | 586 | 0 | 166 | 166 |