Is Lewiston or South Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Portland is safer than Lewiston (Safety Score 59/100 vs 47/100), with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100,000 versus 1,773 for Lewiston — 19% lower. Lewiston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Lewiston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lewiston | South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,773.5 | 1,433.3 | +340.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 244.5 | 63.1 | +181.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.6 | 0.0 | +2.6 |
| Rape Rate | 66.9 | 7.4 | +59.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 59.2 | 18.6 | +40.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 115.8 | 37.1 | +78.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,529.0 | 1,370.2 | +158.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 164.7 | 81.7 | +83.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,245.8 | 1,173.4 | +72.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 118.4 | 115.1 | +3.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewiston or South Portland safer?
South Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100K vs 1,773 for Lewiston — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lewiston has a violent crime rate of 244.5 per 100K while South Portland has 63.1. South Portland 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 South Portland, ME
South Portland, Maine, a coastal city across the harbor from Portland, is home to Bug Light Park, a popular spot for its picturesque lighthouse. Its population of over 26,000 residents reflects a mix of residential areas and commercial districts. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 26,931, South Portland has a total crime rate of 1,433.3 per 100,000 residents.