Hancock County, located in Maine, offers a picturesque and tranquil living environment, boasting a lower crime rate compared to the national average. Nevertheless, safety levels vary across different areas within the county, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher incidences of violent and property crimes.
In this article, we will delve into the five neighborhoods in Hancock County that have the highest crime rates, drawing from the most recent data provided by the FBI and the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Ellsworth
Ellsworth, with a population of 7,940, serves as Hancock County’s county seat and is its largest city. In 2019, it held the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rates in the county, reporting a violent crime rate of 74.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,151.3 per 1,000 residents. These statistics placed Ellsworth in the top 5% for crime rates among cities and towns in Maine.
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Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, has a population of 1,779. In 2019, the town reported a violent crime rate of 55.7 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,002.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This places Southwest Harbor’s crime rates higher than 87% of the cities and towns in Maine.
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Bucksport
Bucksport is a town located along the Penobscot River, with a population of 4,924. In 2019, it recorded a violent crime rate of 40.6 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,116.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. Bucksport’s crime rates are higher than 81% of the cities and towns in Maine.
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Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, is a well-liked spot for tourists and has a population of 5,422. In 2019, it experienced a violent crime rate of 39.1 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 807.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. Compared to other cities and towns in Maine, Bar Harbor’s crime rate is higher than 77% of them.
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Winter Harbor
Winter Harbor, located on the Schoodic Peninsula, is home to 975 residents. In 2019, the town boasted a commendable record, reporting zero incidents of violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Winter Harbor is not entirely immune to criminal activity.
Regrettably, in 2020, Winter Harbor experienced the highest count of documented hate crimes in Hancock County, with four incidents exhibiting anti-Black or anti-African American bias. Additionally, there was one reported case of arson in the same year.
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Final Words
Hancock County, Maine, is a serene and picturesque place to reside. However, there are certain areas that have a higher incidence of crime than others.
After analyzing the most recent crime data provided by the FBI and the Maine Department of Public Safety, we have pinpointed the five neighborhoods in the county with the highest rates of violent and property crimes.
These neighborhoods are Ellsworth, Southwest Harbor, Bucksport, Bar Harbor, and Winter Harbor.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that these statistics don’t give the complete picture of each neighborhood, and there may be other factors influencing the safety and overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
That’s why we encourage everyone to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and to promptly report any suspicious or criminal activity to the local authorities. Through our collective efforts, we can contribute to making Hancock County a safer and more enjoyable place for all.
