| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sanford/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 580 | n/a (estimate) | 2,599 | 1,317 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.5 | 2.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 28 | n/a | 125.5 | 32.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.5 | 10.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 67.2 | 59.0 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 202 | 103 | 370 |
| Burglary | 38 | n/a | 170.3 | 115.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 469 | n/a | 2,101.7 | 1,026.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 125.5 | 70.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 535 | n/a (estimate) | 2,397 | 1,214 | 1,954 |
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 Sanford crime rate is higher than the national average by 11.8%. Specifically, there were 45 violent crimes in Sanford, equivalent to 202 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 45.5%. Furthermore, Sanford recorded 535 property crimes, amounting to 2397 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 22.7%.
When evaluating the Sanford crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Sanford crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
What do the local residents think about crime in Sanford? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 14% of Sanford residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 86% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Sanford 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, Sanford has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 12%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.59 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 1.47 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Sanford as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sanford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sanford has increased by 5.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 12.5%, while property crimes have increased by 4.7%. 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.
Sanford has a poverty rate that stands at 11.2, 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 Sanford 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.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Sanford, 81% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Sanford has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.15 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.
| Item | Sanford | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 | 1,154 | 14 | 170 | 185 |
| North Berwick, ME | 1,716 | 97 | 387 | 484 |
| Kennebunk, ME | 5,792 | 25 | 534 | 559 |
| Berwick, ME | 1,985 | 110 | 721 | 831 |
| Milton, NH | 537 | 110 | 905 | 1,015 |
| Alfred, ME | 997 | 95 | 1,118 | 1,213 |
| Farmington, NH | 4,140 | 364 | 1,135 | 1,499 |
| Sanford, ME | 21,166 | 202 | 2,397 | 2,599 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sapulpa, OK | 21,170 | 245 | 1,631 | 1,876 |
| Piqua, OH | 21,159 | 361 | 3,007 | 3,368 |
| Sun Valley, NV | 21,179 | 649 | 3,400 | 4,049 |
| Easley, SC | 21,149 | 357 | 2,665 | 3,023 |
| East Ridge, TN | 21,187 | 606 | 2,189 | 2,795 |
| Sanford, ME | 21,166 | 202 | 2,397 | 2,599 |
Here are the best places to live in Maine
Top 10 cities in Maine with the best education system
Check out the 10 safest cities in Maine
See the best places to live in & around Sanford