Is Portland or Westbrook Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westbrook is safer than Portland (Safety Score 62/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 1,330 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 52% lower. Portland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Westbrook has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 3.4x 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
Westbrook — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland, ME
Westbrook, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portland | Westbrook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,745.6 | 1,329.6 | +1,416.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 266.9 | 174.7 | +92.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 4.9 | +2.4 |
| Rape Rate | 41.8 | 34.0 | +7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.5 | 34.0 | +16.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 167.4 | 101.9 | +65.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.7 | 1,154.9 | +1,323.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 145.7 | 116.5 | +29.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,177.2 | 936.5 | +1,240.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.8 | 101.9 | +53.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland or Westbrook safer?
Westbrook is safer with a total crime rate of 1,330 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portland has a violent crime rate of 266.9 per 100K while Westbrook has 174.7. Westbrook 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 Westbrook, ME
Westbrook, a city on the Presumpscot River, was once a thriving mill town. Its diverse population of over 20,000 residents enjoys proximity to both Portland and Sebago Lake. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 20,608, Westbrook has a total crime rate of 1,329.6 per 100,000 residents.