| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterville/100k people | Maine/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 534 | n/a (estimate) | 3,166 | 1,242 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 17.8 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 77.1 | 31.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 23.7 | 11.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 23.7 | 55.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 142 | 100 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 59.3 | 100.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 474 | n/a | 2,810.2 | 961.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 154.1 | 81.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 510 | n/a (estimate) | 3,024 | 1,142 | 1,760 |
The Waterville crime rates are 49.4% higher 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 24 violent crimes in Waterville (142 per 100,000 people), which is 60.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 510 property crimes (3024 per 100,000 residents) which is 71.8% higher than average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Waterville is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 3 murders in Waterville, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Waterville being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Waterville residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 63% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Waterville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 38% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Waterville 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, Waterville has an overall crime rate that is 49% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.46 daily occurrences, comprising 0.07 violent crimes and 1.4 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waterville as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waterville. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Waterville has decreased by 22.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 31.4%, while property crime has decreased by 22.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waterville.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Waterville crime rates. For instance, in Waterville, the population density stands at 1270 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Waterville, 84.2% 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.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Waterville, the cost of living is 4.96% lower than the national average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Waterville | Maine | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 1,653 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Norridgewock, ME | 1,306 | 32 | 360 | 391 |
| Clinton, ME | 1,265 | 88 | 354 | 442 |
| Oakland, ME | 2,380 | 47 | 829 | 876 |
| Winslow, ME | 5,075 | 149 | 1,068 | 1,218 |
| Fairfield, ME | 2,378 | 122 | 2,196 | 2,318 |
| Waterville, ME | 17,244 | 142 | 3,024 | 3,166 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Easton, MD | 17,240 | 400 | 1,981 | 2,380 |
| Tahlequah, OK | 17,253 | 182 | 2,295 | 2,477 |
| Southbridge Town, MA | 17,257 | 367 | 635 | 1,001 |
| Dallas, OR | 17,229 | 263 | 2,082 | 2,345 |
| Mount Vernon, OH | 17,264 | 333 | 1,758 | 2,091 |
| Waterville, ME | 17,244 | 142 | 3,024 | 3,166 |
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