Waldo County, located in the state of Maine, is a picturesque and rural area with approximately 39,600 residents. The county is celebrated for its natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and agricultural traditions. However, it’s important to note that not all areas within Waldo County guarantee safety and tranquility.
Recent crime data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maine Department of Public Safety reveals that certain neighborhoods in Waldo County experience higher incidences of violent and property crimes compared to state and national averages.
These are the five neighborhoods in Waldo County, Maine, that recorded the highest number and rate of reported crimes in the year 2020.
Winterport
Winterport, a town situated in Waldo County, has a population of approximately 4,000 residents. It is positioned on the western bank of the Penobscot River, roughly 12 miles south of Bangor.
In the year 2020, Winterport documented a total of 97 property crimes, encompassing 23 burglaries, 69 thefts, and 5 motor vehicle thefts. The property crime rate in Winterport stood at 2,425 per 100,000 residents, surpassing both the state average of 1,166 and the national average of 786, more than twofold.
As for violent crime, Winterport’s rate was 75 per 100,000 residents, below the state average of 113 and the national average of 227, yet still higher than the county average of 46. In 2020, Winterport recorded 3 violent crimes, comprising 1 robbery and 2 assaults.
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Belfast
Belfast, situated on the east side of Penobscot Bay, is the county seat and largest city in Waldo County, with a population of approximately 6,600 residents. It is a popular tourist destination known for its waterfront, arts, and culture.
However, it is important to note that Belfast also experiences a relatively high crime rate, particularly in terms of violent crimes. In the year 2020, Belfast recorded 44 instances of violent crime, including 4 cases of rape, 2 robberies, and 38 assaults.
This resulted in a violent crime rate of 667 per 100,000 residents, a figure nearly six times higher than the state average and nearly three times higher than the national average.
Regarding property crimes, Belfast had a rate of 566 incidents per 100,000 residents. While this was lower than both the state and national averages, it was still higher than the county average. In 2020, Belfast reported a total of 37 property crimes, which included 12 burglaries, 22 thefts, and 3 motor vehicle thefts.
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Searsport
Searsport, situated in Waldo County, has a population of around 2,600 residents. It is located on the eastern shore of Penobscot Bay and is renowned for its maritime history and museum. The town boasts a charming harbor adorned with several historic ships and buildings.
The violent crime rate in Searsport stood at 378 per 100,000 residents, which was over three times the state average and more than one and a half times the national average.
In terms of property crime, Searsport’s rate was 453 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the state and national averages but still higher than the county average. In 2020, Searsport reported 12 property crimes, including 4 burglaries, 7 thefts, and 1 motor vehicle theft.
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Brooks
Brooks is a small town in Waldo County, with a population of around 1,000 residents. It is situated in the county’s interior and is surrounded by woodlands and agricultural land. The community in Brooks is tight-knit and rural, with a handful of local businesses and services.
However, Brooks also faces a notable issue with property crimes, with a higher rate compared to other areas. In 2020, there were 20 reported property crimes in Brooks, including 7 burglaries, 12 thefts, and 1 motor vehicle theft.
The property crime rate in Brooks stood at 2,000 incidents per 100,000 residents, which was over one and a half times the state average and more than two and a half times the national average.
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Unity
About 2,100 people live in Unity, Waldo County. Unity College, an environmental studies-focused private liberal arts college, situated in the western section of the county. Unity is a diverse, progressive community with many sustainability, arts, and culture events.
Unity has the highest Waldo County crime rate, notably violent crimes. Unity recorded 24 violent crimes in 2020, including 3 rapes, 2 robberies, and 19 assaults. Unity’s violent crime rate was 1,143 per 100,000, more than 10 times the state and five times the national level.
Unity had 1,048 property crimes per 100,000 population, lower than the state average but higher than the national average. Unity had 22 property crimes in 2020, including 5 burglaries, 15 thefts, and 2 motor vehicle thefts.
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Final Words
Here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Waldo County, Maine, according to the most recent data. Although these areas may offer some attractions and amenities, they also pose a higher risk of crime and violence.
People living in or visiting these neighborhoods should be vigilant of their surroundings and take steps to safeguard themselves and their belongings. Waldo County, Maine is a lovely and historically significant area, but it does have certain areas with a higher level of danger.
