| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Portland/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 386 | n/a (estimate) | 1,433 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 7.4 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 18.6 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 37.1 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 63 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 81.7 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 316 | n/a | 1,173.4 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 31 | n/a | 115.1 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 369 | n/a (estimate) | 1,370 | 1,142 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the South Portland crime rate is 32.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of South Portland, there were 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 63 per 100,000 individuals, 82.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, South Portland recorded 369 property crimes, amounting to 1370 per 100,000 residents, 22.2% lower than the U.S. average.
South Portland stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 63 violent crimes per 100,000 people, South Portland secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
South Portland 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.
To determine if South Portland is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. South Portland has a total crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.06 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 1.01 daily property crimes) in South Portland.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in South Portland has decreased by 5.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of South Portland, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 69.6%, while property crime has decreased by 4.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not South Portland is a safe place to live.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In South Portland, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.23, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
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 South Portland stands at $508,509, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In South Portland, the average monthly rent stands at $2,068, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | South Portland | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 56 | 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 |
| 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 |
| South Portland, ME | 26,521 | 63 | 1,370 | 1,433 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Columbine, CO | 26,527 | 256 | 1,393 | 1,649 |
| Green, OH | 26,538 | 155 | 818 | 973 |
| Holt, MI | 26,494 | 328 | 1,043 | 1,372 |
| Lebanon, PA | 26,484 | 152 | 1,124 | 1,277 |
| Lafayette, CA | 26,574 | 80 | 1,267 | 1,348 |
| South Portland, ME | 26,521 | 63 | 1,370 | 1,433 |
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