Is Auburn or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Portland (Safety Score 25/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,644 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 4% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 45% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 2.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,644.0 | 2,745.6 | -101.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.7 | 266.9 | -51.3 |
| Murder Rate | 4.0 | 7.2 | -3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 51.9 | 41.8 | +10.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.9 | 50.5 | -10.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 119.8 | 167.4 | -47.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,428.3 | 2,478.7 | -50.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 143.8 | 145.7 | -1.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,088.8 | 2,177.2 | -88.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.7 | 155.8 | +39.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Portland safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 2,644 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 215.7 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, ME
Auburn, Maine, once known as "The Twin Cities" with Lewiston, is a former shoe manufacturing hub along the Androscoggin River. It is home to a diverse population of just under 25,000 residents. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 25,038, Auburn has a total crime rate of 2,644.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, a coastal city with a deep maritime history, is the most populous city in the state. Its working waterfront and vibrant arts scene reflect its heritage and modern demographic mix. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.