B+
16%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
58%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
8%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSouth Portland/100k peopleMaine/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime535n/a (estimate)1,9491,3172,324
Murder0n/a0.02.26.3
Rape10n/a36.432.040.0
Robbery9n/a32.810.066.1
Assault24n/a87.459.0268.2
Violent crime43n/a (estimate)157103370
Burglary26n/a94.7115.9269.8
Theft418n/a1,523.11,026.81,401.9
Vehicle theft48n/a174.970.9282.7
Property crime492n/a (estimate)1,7931,2141,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in South Portland, ME

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Portland is 16.1% 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 South Portland, there were 43 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 157 per 100,000 individuals, 57.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 492 property crimes, amounting to 1793 per 100,000 residents, 8.3% lower than the U.S. average.

In the most recently reported crime year, South Portland 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.

In the most recent release, South Portland reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In South Portland, there were 1793 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

Is South Portland a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in South Portland, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. South Portland presents a total crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, South Portland experiences an average of 1.47 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 1.35 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 South Portland Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in South Portland. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in South Portland has increased by 31.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 23.2%, while property crime has increased by 39.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in South Portland.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Portland

In South Portland, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall South Portland crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in South Portland is $276,100, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In South Portland, the average monthly rent stands at $1,346, while the national average is $949 per month.

South Portland crime map



The South Portland crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in South Portland as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The South Portland crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the South Portland crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare South Portland, ME Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • South Portland crime rates are 16% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in South Portland are 58% lower than the national average
      • In South Portland you have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • South Portland is safer than 52% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in South Portland has increased by 24%

      South Portland, ME Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In South Portland (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in South Portland on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Maine and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in South Portland (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Maine, are 1.48 times more than the state average and 1.19 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in South Portland on a daily basis are 1.52 times more than than Maine average and 2.36 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in South Portland are 1.48 times more than the daily state average and 1.09 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is South Portland (higher is better)

        How safe is South Portland, Maine compared to other cities in Maine and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that South Portland is safer than 15% of the cities in Maine and 52% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Maine and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than South Portland. Overall, South Portland is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in South Portland

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in South Portland is 1 in 639
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in South Portland is 1 in 56
        The chance of being a victim of crime in South Portland is 1 in 52
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in South Portland? In South Portland, ME you have a 1 in 639 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of crime in South Portland.

        Year Over Year Crime In South Portland (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in South Portland, Maine (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in South Portland has decreased by 27%, the amount of property crime in South Portland has increased by 33%, and the total amount of crime in South Portland has increased by 24% year over year.

        South Portland police department

        Item South Portland Maine National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)561,653558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.22.13.3
        There are a total of 56 South Portland police officers. This results in 2.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 8.3% greater than the Maine average and 31.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Maine

        State Total offenders Maine /100K National /100K
        Maine2,822220266
        There are a total of 2,822 sex offenders in Maine. This yields a total of 220 sex offenders in Maine per 100,000 residents which is 17% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Falmouth Foreside, ME1,55014170185
        Cumberland Center, ME2,94416190207
        Cousins Island, ME52142490532
        Littlejohn Island, ME6342490532
        Gorham, ME7,32243492536
        South Windham, ME1,02244513556
        Yarmouth, ME5,75244544588
        South Portland, ME25,6651571,7931,949

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Soledad, CA25,6673027461,048
        Moscow, ID25,652911,2881,380
        Madison, MS25,65047582629
        Fairland, MD25,6494291,7622,191
        Ruskin, FL25,6403091,8662,175
        South Portland, ME25,6651571,7931,949
        Source: The South Portland, ME crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.