Oxford County, located in western Maine, is a rural area with approximately 58,000 inhabitants. The region is famed for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and woodlands, in addition to its vibrant historical and cultural heritage. Nevertheless, not every corner of Oxford County guarantees safety and tranquility.
Certain neighborhoods exhibit elevated levels of criminal activity, where residents might encounter threats of violence, burglary, or property damage. Below are the five areas in Oxford County deemed the most perilous, according to crime statistics obtained from Citydata and Bestplaces.
Norway
Norway, a town with a population of around 4,600, is situated near Lake Pennesseewassee. It stands as the most populous town in Oxford County, yet it also experiences the highest level of criminal activity.
In 2020, Norway’s crime rate was 2,930 incidents per 100,000 people. This figure was 24.9% higher than the national average and a staggering 131.7% above the state average.
To break down the statistics for 2020, Norway had three reported cases of rape, one assault, 19 burglaries, 113 thefts, and three instances of auto theft. The rate of violent crime was 40.2 per 100,000 people, while property crime stood at 1,566.6 per 100,000 people.
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Oxford
Oxford, a town of approximately 4,000 residents situated along the Little Androscoggin River, is known for the Oxford Plains Speedway, a well-liked racing venue. However, it also grapples with a significant amount of criminal activity.
In 2020, Oxford recorded a crime rate of 2,682.9 incidents per 100,000 people, surpassing the national average by 14.4% and the state average by a striking 112.1%.
Specifically, the town experienced two cases of rape, two assaults, four burglaries, 195 thefts, and one auto theft in 2020. This resulted in a violent crime rate of 97.6 incidents per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate of 2,585.3 incidents per 100,000 people.
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Mechanic Falls
Mechanic Falls, with a population of approximately 3,000, is situated at the confluence of the Little Androscoggin River and Bog Brook. This town, once reliant on mills, has faced challenges related to economic downturns and social issues.
In 2020, Mechanic Falls reported a crime rate of 1,874.5 per 100,000 residents, slightly below the national average but still 48.2% higher than the state average.
Specifically, in 2020, there were one case of rape, one robbery, three assaults, eight burglaries, 62 thefts, and one auto theft. This translates to a violent crime rate of 168.2 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,706.3 per 100,000 people.
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Paris
Paris, a town of approximately 5,100 residents, is situated near the Androscoggin River. It serves as the county seat of Oxford County and encompasses the historically significant Paris Hill district. Nonetheless, it also experiences some criminal activity.
In 2020, Paris reported a crime rate of 1,193.3 incidents per 100,000 individuals, which is roughly half of the national average but slightly above the state average.
Specifically, in 2020, there were two reported cases of rape, one assault, seven burglaries, 64 thefts, and three incidents of auto theft. The violent crime rate was 117.4 per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate was 1,75.9 per 100,000 residents.
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Bridgton
Bridgton, a town with approximately 4,900 residents, is situated close to Long Lake and Moose Pond. It’s a sought-after tourist spot owing to its natural allure and recreational offerings.
However, it also draws the attention of some wrongdoers. In 2020, Bridgton’s crime rate was 816.6 per 100,000 individuals, which was roughly two-thirds of the national average, but still slightly higher than the state average.
In 2020, Bridgton reported one incident of rape, one robbery, two assaults, six burglaries, 38 thefts, and one case of auto theft. The rate of violent crimes stood at 111.4 per 100,000 people, while the rate of property crimes was 705.2 per 100,000 people.
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Final Words
Here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Oxford County, Maine, according to the most recent data. Nevertheless, crime can occur anywhere and at any moment, so both residents and visitors should remain watchful and take steps to safeguard themselves and their belongings.
To minimize the chances of falling victim to a crime, it’s advisable to lock doors and windows, set up security systems, steer clear of poorly lit and secluded areas, report any suspicious behavior, and stay attentive and aware of your surroundings
