Scarborough, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Scarborough, ME

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Scarborough crime rate is 28.8% 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 Scarborough, there were 15 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 65 per 100,000 individuals, 82.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Scarborough recorded 364 property crimes, amounting to 1589 per 100,000 residents, 18.7% lower than the U.S. average.

Scarborough distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 65 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Scarborough among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Scarborough registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

Is Scarborough a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Scarborough is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Scarborough has a total crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.04 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 1 daily property crimes) in Scarborough.

Has Crime in Scarborough Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Scarborough has increased by 8.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Scarborough is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 114.3%, while property crime has increased by 6.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Scarborough.

Potential Causes for Crime in Scarborough

Scarborough has a poverty rate that stands at 13.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Scarborough crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Scarborough has a population density of 1059.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Scarborough crime rates.

In Scarborough, the cost of living is 23.11% 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.

Scarborough crime map