Southwest Harbor, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Southwest Harbor, ME

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Southwest Harbor is 83.6% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Southwest Harbor, there were 0 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 individuals, 100% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 7 property crimes, amounting to 381 per 100,000 residents, 80.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Southwest Harbor proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 381, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Southwest Harbor as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

During the last reported year, Southwest Harbor recorded zero incidents of violent crime, a critical indicator of safety within any city. This demonstrates the exceptional safety record in Southwest Harbor in terms of violent crime, portraying it as an exceptionally safe city in this regard. Less than 10% of all cities that reported crime had no instances of violent crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Southwest Harbor experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Southwest Harbor has a property crime rate of 381 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Southwest Harbor is a safe place to live.

The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Southwest Harbor emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

Is Southwest Harbor a Safe Place to Live?

Is Southwest Harbor a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Southwest Harbor has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 84%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.02 daily incidents, encompassing 0 violent crimes and 0.02 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Southwest Harbor as a potential place to call home.

Potential Causes for Crime in Southwest Harbor

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Southwest Harbor crime rate. The poverty level in Southwest Harbor is 9.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In Southwest Harbor, the cost of living is 18.01% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Southwest Harbor are $367, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Southwest Harbor crime map