Is Lewiston or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lewiston is safer than Portland (Safety Score 47/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 35% lower. Lewiston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lewiston has a 64% lower rate.
Lewiston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lewiston | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,773.5 | 2,745.6 | -972.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 244.5 | 266.9 | -22.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.6 | 7.2 | -4.6 |
| Rape Rate | 66.9 | 41.8 | +25.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 59.2 | 50.5 | +8.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 115.8 | 167.4 | -51.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,529.0 | 2,478.7 | -949.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 164.7 | 145.7 | +19.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,245.8 | 2,177.2 | -931.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 118.4 | 155.8 | -37.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewiston or Portland safer?
Lewiston is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lewiston has a violent crime rate of 244.5 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Lewiston has lower violent crime.
About Lewiston, ME
Lewiston, Maine, a former mill town on the Androscoggin River, is known for its Franco-American heritage and the Bates College campus. It's Maine's second-largest city by population. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 38,850, Lewiston has a total crime rate of 1,773.5 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.