Is Portland or Sanford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portland is safer than Sanford (Safety Score 23/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100,000 versus 2,784 for Sanford — 1% lower. Portland has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sanford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 3.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sanford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland, ME
Sanford, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portland | Sanford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,745.6 | 2,783.6 | -38.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 266.9 | 156.6 | +110.3 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 0.0 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 41.8 | 80.6 | -38.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.5 | 4.5 | +46.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 167.4 | 71.6 | +95.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.7 | 2,627.0 | -148.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 145.7 | 152.2 | -6.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,177.2 | 2,349.5 | -172.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.8 | 125.3 | +30.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland or Sanford safer?
Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100K vs 2,784 for Sanford — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portland has a violent crime rate of 266.9 per 100K while Sanford has 156.6. Sanford 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 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Sanford, ME
Sanford, Maine, a former mill town known for its textile industry, is located in York County. Its population is around 22,000, with a significant number of residents working in local manufacturing and service industries. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 22,345, Sanford has a total crime rate of 2,783.6 per 100,000 residents.