Is Bangor or Wells Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wells is safer than Bangor (Safety Score 81/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 807 per 100,000 versus 4,399 for Bangor — 82% lower. Bangor has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wells has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Bangor is 2.6x 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
Wells — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bangor, ME
Wells, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bangor | Wells | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,399.0 | 806.5 | +3,592.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 161.4 | 83.2 | +78.3 |
| Murder Rate | 15.8 | 0.0 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 22.2 | 33.3 | -11.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.6 | 0.0 | +50.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 72.8 | 49.9 | +22.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,237.6 | 723.4 | +3,514.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 310.2 | 33.3 | +276.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,842.0 | 631.9 | +3,210.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.5 | 58.2 | +27.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangor or Wells safer?
Wells is safer with a total crime rate of 807 per 100K vs 4,399 for Bangor — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bangor has a violent crime rate of 161.4 per 100K while Wells has 83.2. Wells 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 Wells, ME
Wells, Maine, a coastal town incorporated in 1653, boasts miles of sandy beaches and a significant seasonal population increase. Its economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 12,027, Wells has a total crime rate of 806.5 per 100,000 residents.