Is Orono or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Orono is safer than Portland (Safety Score 100/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 150 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 95% lower. Orono has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Orono has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 5.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Orono — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Orono, ME
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Orono | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 150.3 | 2,745.6 | -2,595.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 47.5 | 266.9 | -219.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.2 | -7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 15.8 | 41.8 | -26.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 50.5 | -50.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 31.6 | 167.4 | -135.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 102.8 | 2,478.7 | -2,375.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 15.8 | 145.7 | -129.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 87.0 | 2,177.2 | -2,090.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 0.0 | 155.8 | -155.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orono or Portland safer?
Orono is safer with a total crime rate of 150 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 95% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Orono has a violent crime rate of 47.5 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Orono has lower violent crime.
About Orono, ME
Orono, a small town in Penobscot County, is home to the University of Maine, its largest employer and a significant cultural hub. Situated on the Penobscot River, its tree-lined streets and historic buildings reflect a quiet, academic atmosphere with a population around 11,000. With a safety score of 100/100 and a population coverage of 12,641, Orono has a total crime rate of 150.3 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.