Lewiston, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lewiston, ME

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lewiston crime rate is 5.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Lewiston, there were 101 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 277 per 100,000 individuals, 25.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Lewiston recorded 701 property crimes, amounting to 1921 per 100,000 residents, 1.7% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Lewiston per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Lewiston crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Lewiston maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Lewiston, 1921 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lewiston?

What do the local residents think about crime in Lewiston? Well, based on a recent survey of 27 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 30% of Lewiston residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 70% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Lewiston a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lewiston a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Lewiston crime rate is 5% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.2 crimes per day - 0.28 violent crimes and 1.92 property crimes.

Has Crime in Lewiston Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lewiston has increased by 16.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lewiston, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 6.3%, while property crime has increased by 18.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lewiston is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lewiston

Lewiston has a population density of 1058.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Lewiston crime rates.

In Lewiston, the cost of living is 1.05% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Lewiston stands at $150,100, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Lewiston crime map