| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Scarborough/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 270 | n/a (estimate) | 1,118 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 12.4 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.1 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 45.6 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 62 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 91.1 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 209 | n/a | 865.5 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 24 | n/a | 99.4 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 255 | n/a (estimate) | 1,056 | 1,142 | 1,760 |

The Scarborough crime rates are 47.2% lower 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 15 violent crimes in Scarborough (62 per 100,000 people), which is 82.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 255 property crimes (1056 per 100,000 residents) which is 40% lower than average.
Scarborough has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 62 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Scarborough ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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, Scarborough has an overall crime rate that is 47% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.74 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Scarborough as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Scarborough. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Scarborough has decreased by 22.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 114.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 25.4%. 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.
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 Scarborough, 88.6% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
The median home price in Scarborough is $518,616, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Scarborough, the average rental rates are $1,919 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | Scarborough | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| 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 |
| Steep Falls, ME | 2,082 | 40 | 454 | 494 |
| Littlejohn Island, ME | 64 | 40 | 461 | 502 |
| Scarborough, ME | 5,384 | 62 | 1,056 | 1,118 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hoopeston, IL | 5,383 | 385 | 1,989 | 2,374 |
| Springfield, MI | 5,383 | 426 | 1,353 | 1,779 |
| Obetz, OH | 5,382 | 106 | 1,101 | 1,207 |
| Center, TX | 5,386 | 505 | 2,445 | 2,950 |
| Carlyss, LA | 5,379 | 459 | 2,025 | 2,484 |
| Scarborough, ME | 5,384 | 62 | 1,056 | 1,118 |