Is Biddeford or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Biddeford is safer than Portland (Safety Score 25/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,662 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 3% lower. Biddeford has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Biddeford has a 29% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 3.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Biddeford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Biddeford, ME
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Biddeford | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,662.5 | 2,745.6 | -83.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 313.8 | 266.9 | +46.8 |
| Murder Rate | 9.0 | 7.2 | +1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.2 | 41.8 | +25.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.9 | 50.5 | -14.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 201.7 | 167.4 | +34.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,348.7 | 2,478.7 | -130.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 98.6 | 145.7 | -47.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,147.0 | 2,177.2 | -30.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.1 | 155.8 | -52.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biddeford or Portland safer?
Biddeford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,662 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Biddeford has a violent crime rate of 313.8 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Portland has lower violent crime.
About Biddeford, ME
Biddeford, a former mill town on the Saco River, showcases a vibrant arts scene amidst historic brick architecture. Roughly 22,000 residents inhabit this southern Maine city, with a notable Franco-American heritage. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 22,310, Biddeford has a total crime rate of 2,662.5 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.