Is New York City or South Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, South Portland is safer than New York City (Safety Score 59/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 53% lower. New York City has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 308.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than New York City, NY?
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City, NY
South Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New York City | South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,039.7 | 1,433.3 | +1,606.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 671.4 | 63.1 | +608.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.9 | 0.0 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 7.4 | +16.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 187.5 | 18.6 | +168.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 456.2 | 37.1 | +419.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,368.3 | 1,370.2 | +998.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.7 | 81.7 | +73.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,015.0 | 1,173.4 | +841.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.5 | 115.1 | +83.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or South Portland safer?
South Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New York City has a violent crime rate of 671.4 per 100K while South Portland has 63.1. South Portland has lower violent crime.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 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.