Skowhegan, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Skowhegan, ME

The Skowhegan crime rates are 38.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 18 violent crimes in Skowhegan (209 per 100,000 people), which is 43.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 258 property crimes (3002 per 100,000 residents) which is 53.6% higher than average.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Skowhegan is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Skowhegan, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Skowhegan being a very dangerous place to live.

Is Skowhegan a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Skowhegan, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Skowhegan presents a total crime rate that is 38% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Skowhegan experiences an average of 0.76 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.71 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Skowhegan Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Skowhegan crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Skowhegan has increased by 18% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 38.5% and property crime has increased by 16.7%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Skowhegan

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Skowhegan, the cost of living is 4.98% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Skowhegan has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.64 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Skowhegan has a median home price of $109,300, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Skowhegan crime map