Is Bangor or Lewiston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lewiston is safer than Bangor (Safety Score 47/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 4,399 for Bangor — 60% lower. Bangor has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lewiston has a 84% lower rate.
Bangor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lewiston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bangor, ME
Lewiston, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bangor | Lewiston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,399.0 | 1,773.5 | +2,625.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 161.4 | 244.5 | -83.1 |
| Murder Rate | 15.8 | 2.6 | +13.3 |
| Rape Rate | 22.2 | 66.9 | -44.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.6 | 59.2 | -8.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 72.8 | 115.8 | -43.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,237.6 | 1,529.0 | +2,708.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 310.2 | 164.7 | +145.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,842.0 | 1,245.8 | +2,596.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.5 | 118.4 | -33.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangor or Lewiston safer?
Lewiston is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 4,399 for Bangor — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bangor has a violent crime rate of 161.4 per 100K while Lewiston has 244.5. Bangor has lower violent crime.
About Bangor, ME
Bangor, a city on the Penobscot River, is the third most populous in Maine. Known as the birthplace of Stephen King, it serves as a regional hub for healthcare and education in eastern Maine. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 31,598, Bangor has a total crime rate of 4,399.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Lewiston, ME
Lewiston, Maine, a former mill town on the Androscoggin River, is known for its Franco-American heritage and the Bates College campus. It's Maine's second-largest city by population. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 38,850, Lewiston has a total crime rate of 1,773.5 per 100,000 residents.