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Portland, ME vs Saco, ME Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Portland crime rate · Saco crime rate

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Is Portland, ME or Saco, ME Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Saco, ME is safer than Portland, ME (Safety Score 68/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland, ME — 58% lower. Portland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Saco has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Portland is 3.3x 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 Portland, ME?

Portland — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Flat Property Flat Total

Saco — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Portland, ME

Portland, ME
Safety Score 24/100
Coverage 69,310
Total Crime Rate 2,745.6
Category Wins 0/7

Saco, ME

Saco, ME
Safety Score 68/100
Coverage 21,144
Total Crime Rate 1,158.7
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Portland Saco Difference
Total Crime Rate 2,745.6 1,158.7 +1,586.9
Violent Crime Rate 266.9 80.4 +186.5
Murder Rate 7.2 0.0 +7.2
Rape Rate 41.8 37.8 +4.0
Robbery Rate 50.5 0.0 +50.5
Aggravated Assault Rate 167.4 42.6 +124.8
Property Crime Rate 2,478.7 1,078.3 +1,400.4
Burglary Rate 145.7 85.1 +60.6
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,177.2 893.9 +1,283.3
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 155.8 99.3 +56.5

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Portland, ME to Saco, ME?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Saco safer?

Saco, ME is safer with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland, ME — a 58% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Portland has a violent crime rate of 266.9 per 100K while Saco has 80.4. Saco has lower violent crime.

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 24/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.

About Saco, ME

Saco, Maine, a small city in York County, sits on the Saco River across from Biddeford. Known for its historic textile mills, the area experiences a significant tourist influx during summer months, drawn to attractions like Funtown Splashtown USA. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 21,144, Saco has a total crime rate of 1,158.7 per 100,000 residents.

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