Is Bangor or Sanford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sanford is safer than Bangor (Safety Score 23/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,784 per 100,000 versus 4,399 for Bangor — 37% lower. Bangor has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sanford has a 100% lower rate.
Bangor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sanford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bangor, ME
Sanford, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bangor | Sanford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,399.0 | 2,783.6 | +1,615.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 161.4 | 156.6 | +4.8 |
| Murder Rate | 15.8 | 0.0 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 22.2 | 80.6 | -58.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.6 | 4.5 | +46.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 72.8 | 71.6 | +1.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,237.6 | 2,627.0 | +1,610.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 310.2 | 152.2 | +158.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,842.0 | 2,349.5 | +1,492.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.5 | 125.3 | -39.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangor or Sanford safer?
Sanford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,784 per 100K vs 4,399 for Bangor — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bangor has a violent crime rate of 161.4 per 100K while Sanford has 156.6. Sanford 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 Sanford, ME
Sanford, Maine, a former mill town known for its textile industry, is located in York County. Its population is around 22,000, with a significant number of residents working in local manufacturing and service industries. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 22,345, Sanford has a total crime rate of 2,783.6 per 100,000 residents.