Maine is a state with striking natural beauty and a wide range of landscapes, but it’s important to note that there are areas that experience higher crime rates. In 2023, the five cities in Maine with the highest crime rates are Augusta, Biddeford, Waterville, Bangor, and Auburn.
These cities exhibit crime rates, both violent and property-related, that surpass the national average, and some have observed a recent uptick in criminal activity.
Despite the unique attractions and qualities of these cities, it’s crucial to acknowledge the increased risk of crime compared to other parts of the state. If you plan to visit or reside in any of these areas, it’s advisable to stay vigilant, be mindful of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your belongings.
Riverton
In this area of Portland, there are 8.7 incidents of violent crime for every 1,000 residents, and 111.6 incidents of property crime for every 1,000 residents. This translates to a 1 in 115 chance of experiencing a violent crime, and a 1 in 9 chance of falling victim to a property crime in Riverton.
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Westbrook
In Westbrook, a city located in Cumberland County, the rate of violent crime is 17.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the rate of property crime is 138.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This translates to a 1 in 57 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime, and a 1 in 7 likelihood of experiencing a property crime in Westbrook.
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South Portland
In this city located in Cumberland County, the rate of violent crimes is 18.7 per 1,000 residents, and the rate of property crimes is 219.2 per 1,000 residents. This indicates that there’s a 1 in 53 chance of experiencing a violent crime, and a 1 in 5 chance of experiencing a property crime in South Portland.
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Portland
This is the main city and the largest urban area in Cumberland County, with a population of more than 66,000 residents. It experiences a high rate of violent crime at 24.2 incidents per 1,000 people, and a property crime rate of 1098.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This translates to a 1 in 41 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, and a 1 in 1 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Portland.
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Deering
In Deering, a neighborhood in Portland, the violent crime rate is the highest in Cumberland County, with 32.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Additionally, the property crime rate is elevated at 995.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This indicates that there’s a 1 in 31 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 1 chance of encountering a property crime in Deering.
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Final Words
To sum up, Cumberland County in Maine is a varied and lively area, though it does have pockets that experience higher levels of crime and violence. These include Riverton, Westbrook, South Portland, Portland, and Deering.
These neighborhoods exhibit elevated rates of both violent and property crimes compared to the county and state norms, potentially jeopardizing the safety and welfare of those who live or visit there. Hence, it’s crucial to stay mindful of these risks and take precautionary steps to steer clear of becoming a victim of crime in these areas
