Is Falmouth or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Falmouth is safer than Portland (Safety Score 87/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 654 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 76% lower. Falmouth has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Falmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 5.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Falmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Falmouth, ME
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Falmouth | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 653.7 | 2,745.6 | -2,092.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 61.5 | 266.9 | -205.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.2 | -7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 38.5 | 41.8 | -3.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.7 | 50.5 | -42.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 15.4 | 167.4 | -152.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 592.1 | 2,478.7 | -1,886.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 76.9 | 145.7 | -68.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 507.5 | 2,177.2 | -1,669.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 7.7 | 155.8 | -148.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Falmouth or Portland safer?
Falmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 654 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Falmouth has a violent crime rate of 61.5 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Falmouth has lower violent crime.
About Falmouth, ME
Falmouth, a coastal town in Cumberland County, is a bedroom community to Portland. Known for its picturesque coastline along Casco Bay, it was incorporated in 1718 and boasts a median household income significantly higher than the state average. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 13,004, Falmouth has a total crime rate of 653.7 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.