| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portland/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,903 | n/a (estimate) | 2,746 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 7.2 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 41.8 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 35 | n/a | 50.5 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 116 | n/a | 167.4 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 185 | n/a (estimate) | 267 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 101 | n/a | 145.7 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,509 | n/a | 2,177.2 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 108 | n/a | 155.8 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,718 | n/a (estimate) | 2,479 | 1,142 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Portland crime rate is higher than the national average by 29.6%. Specifically, there were 185 violent crimes in Portland, equivalent to 267 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 25.7%. Furthermore, Portland recorded 1718 property crimes, amounting to 2479 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 40.8%.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Portland residents. Out of the respondents (51 in total), 63% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Portland were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 37% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Portland 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, Portland has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 30%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 5.21 daily incidents, encompassing 0.51 violent crimes and 4.71 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Portland as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Portland. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Portland has increased by 40.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 21.7%, while property crimes have increased by 43.2%. 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.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Portland, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 16 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Portland are areas such as Rosemont, Deering Center and North Deering, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Valley Street, West Bayside and East Bayside-India Street are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Portland crime rates. The population density in Portland is 3200.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Portland, 88.7% 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 quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Portland stands at $548,087, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Portland | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 218 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Falmouth Foreside, ME | 1,588 | 14 | 160 | 174 |
| Cumberland Center, ME | 3,044 | 16 | 179 | 195 |
| South Windham, ME | 1,061 | 33 | 375 | 408 |
| Gorham, ME | 7,536 | 22 | 398 | 420 |
| Cousins Island, ME | 533 | 40 | 461 | 502 |
| Littlejohn Island, ME | 64 | 40 | 461 | 502 |
| Yarmouth, ME | 5,954 | 89 | 421 | 509 |
| Portland, ME | 68,956 | 267 | 2,479 | 2,746 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South San Francisco, CA | 68,998 | 301 | 1,559 | 1,859 |
| Alpharetta, GA | 69,031 | 249 | 1,152 | 1,401 |
| Yuba City, CA | 68,813 | 424 | 1,658 | 2,082 |
| Mount Vernon, NY | 69,130 | 544 | 1,459 | 2,003 |
| Johnson City, TN | 69,135 | 402 | 2,303 | 2,705 |
| Portland, ME | 68,956 | 267 | 2,479 | 2,746 |
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