Is Portland or Scarborough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scarborough is safer than Portland (Safety Score 69/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 1,118 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 59% lower. Portland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scarborough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 2.9x 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
Scarborough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland, ME
Scarborough, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portland | Scarborough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,745.6 | 1,118.2 | +1,627.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 266.9 | 62.1 | +204.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 0.0 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 41.8 | 12.4 | +29.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.5 | 4.1 | +46.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 167.4 | 45.6 | +121.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.7 | 1,056.0 | +1,422.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 145.7 | 91.1 | +54.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,177.2 | 865.5 | +1,311.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.8 | 99.4 | +56.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland or Scarborough safer?
Scarborough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,118 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portland has a violent crime rate of 266.9 per 100K while Scarborough has 62.1. Scarborough 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 Scarborough, ME
Scarborough, Maine, a coastal town with a rich maritime history, is home to a growing population of over 20,000 residents. It features miles of sandy beaches and marshlands, including the popular Pine Point. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 24,147, Scarborough has a total crime rate of 1,118.2 per 100,000 residents.