Is Bangor or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portland is safer than Bangor (Safety Score 23/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100,000 versus 4,399 for Bangor — 38% lower. Bangor has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portland has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bangor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bangor | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,399.0 | 2,745.6 | +1,653.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 161.4 | 266.9 | -105.5 |
| Murder Rate | 15.8 | 7.2 | +8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 22.2 | 41.8 | -19.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.6 | 50.5 | +0.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 72.8 | 167.4 | -94.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,237.6 | 2,478.7 | +1,758.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 310.2 | 145.7 | +164.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,842.0 | 2,177.2 | +1,664.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.5 | 155.8 | -70.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangor or Portland safer?
Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100K vs 4,399 for Bangor — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bangor has a violent crime rate of 161.4 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. 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 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.