Kennebec County, located in the U.S. state of Maine, is home to approximately 122,000 residents. The area is celebrated for its picturesque lakes, rivers, and woodlands, along with its vibrant historical and cultural heritage.
Nonetheless, akin to any locality, Kennebec County grapples with its portion of criminal activity and aggression. In this piece, we will delve into the five neighborhoods in Kennebec County with the highest crime rates, drawing on data and statistics from diverse sources.
Augusta
Augusta, the capital city of Maine and the county seat of Kennebec County, has an approximate population of 18,700 people and spans across an area of 58 square miles.
Notable landmarks include the Maine State House, the Maine State Museum, and the Old Fort Western, along with various government buildings, museums, parks, and historic sites.
However, it’s important to note that Augusta experiences a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities in Maine.
According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, Augusta’s violent crime rate is 263 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 3,151 per 100,000 residents. This places Augusta among the less safe cities in the U.S., ranking in the bottom 9%.
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Waterville
Waterville, situated in Kennebec County, has approximately 15,900 inhabitants and covers an area of 14 square miles. It is positioned along the Kennebec River and is renowned for its cultural and educational institutions, including Colby College, Thomas College, and the Waterville Opera House.
However, it’s important to note that Waterville experiences a relatively high crime rate in comparison to other cities in Maine.
According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, Waterville has a violent crime rate of 220.7 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,636.4 per 100,000 residents. This means that Waterville is safer than only 16% of the cities in the U.S.
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Winslow
Winslow, situated in Kennebec County, houses approximately 7,500 residents within its 37 square mile area. It neighbors Waterville and benefits from shared services and amenities.
Recognized for its agricultural and industrial roots, Winslow offers recreational options along the Kennebec River. However, it’s worth noting that Winslow experiences a higher crime rate compared to many other towns in Maine.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Winslow’s violent crime rate stands at 92.1 per 100,000 residents, while its property crime rate is 895 per 100,000 residents. This positions Winslow in the lower 32% in terms of safety among U.S. towns.
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Oakland
Oakland, situated in Kennebec County, has a population of approximately 6,200 residents and covers an area of 28 square miles. It is close to Messalonskee Lake, renowned for its fishing and boating activities.
The town boasts various historical sites, including the Oakland Public Library and the Oakland House. However, it’s important to note that Oakland faces a higher crime rate compared to other towns in Maine.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Oakland has a violent crime rate of 111.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, along with a property crime rate of 953 incidents per 100,000 residents. This means that Oakland is considered safer than only 28% of towns in the U.S.
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Hallowell
Hallowell, situated in Kennebec County, has a population of around 2,300 residents and covers an area of 6 square miles. It sits alongside the Kennebec River and is renowned for its historic downtown area, boasting numerous antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars.
The city is also famous for its annual gatherings like Old Hallowell Day and Hallowell Live. However, it’s worth noting that Hallowell experiences a relatively higher crime rate compared to other cities in Maine.
As per Sperling’s BestPlaces data, Hallowell reports a violent crime rate of 168.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, along with a property crime rate of 506.1 per 100,000 residents. This places Hallowell in the lower 24% in terms of safety when compared to cities across the United States.
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Final Words
In summary, Kennebec County offers both diversity and natural beauty, but it does have areas with higher crime rates. According to available data, the five neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Kennebec County are Hallowell, Oakland, Winslow, Waterville, and Augusta.
These neighborhoods experience more violent and property crimes compared to the national average, and some are considered among the riskier areas in Maine. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that these neighborhoods have potential for positive change.
Each of them holds positive attributes and opportunities for improvement, and there are dedicated individuals striving to enhance safety and well-being. Therefore, it’s important not to judge a place solely by its statistics, but also by its heritage, customs, and inhabitants.
