| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Saco/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 245 | n/a (estimate) | 1,159 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 37.8 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 42.6 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 80 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 85.1 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 189 | n/a | 893.9 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 21 | n/a | 99.3 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 228 | n/a (estimate) | 1,078 | 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 Saco is 45.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes reported in Saco, equivalent to 80 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 77.6%. Additionally, Saco recorded 228 property crimes, amounting to 1078 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 38.7%.
Saco shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 80 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Saco an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Saco 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.
Determining whether Saco 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, Saco has an overall crime rate that is 45% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.67 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.62 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Saco as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Saco 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 Saco has decreased by 3.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 46.9% and property crime has decreased by 2.2%.
Saco has a poverty rate that stands at 8.2, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Saco crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Saco has a population density of 529.2 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 successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Saco, ME | 20,356 | 80 | 1,078 | 1,159 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Niskayuna, NY | 20,358 | 306 | 1,386 | 1,692 |
| Mililani Mauka, HI | 20,370 | 127 | 1,137 | 1,264 |
| Blythe, CA | 20,378 | 404 | 1,091 | 1,495 |
| Sherwood, OR | 20,329 | 131 | 1,520 | 1,651 |
| Bartow, FL | 20,388 | 492 | 1,790 | 2,282 |
| Saco, ME | 20,356 | 80 | 1,078 | 1,159 |
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