Bangor, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bangor, ME

The Bangor crime rates are 114.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 52 violent crimes in Bangor (162 per 100,000 people), which is 56.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1550 property crimes (4832 per 100,000 residents) which is 147.2% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 4994 per 100,000 residents, Bangor experiences a crime rate that is 114.87% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Bangor contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Bangor showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

With a property crime rate of 4832 crimes per 100,000 people, Bangor unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bangor is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 21, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bangor?

What do the local residents think about crime in Bangor? Well, based on a recent survey of 30 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 70% of Bangor residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 30% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bangor a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bangor a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bangor crime rate is 115% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.39 crimes per day - 0.14 violent crimes and 4.25 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bangor Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Bangor crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Bangor has increased by 5.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 18.8% and property crime has increased by 6.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bangor

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Bangor, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Bangor has a population density of 934.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Bangor crime rates.

Bangor has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.72 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Bangor crime map