Is Portland or York Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, York is safer than Portland (Safety Score 92/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 505 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 82% lower. Portland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where York has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Portland is 4.9x 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
York — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland, ME
York, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portland | York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,745.6 | 505.3 | +2,240.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 266.9 | 49.1 | +217.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 0.0 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 41.8 | 28.1 | +13.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.5 | 0.0 | +50.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 167.4 | 21.1 | +146.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.7 | 456.2 | +2,022.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 145.7 | 56.1 | +89.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,177.2 | 379.0 | +1,798.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.8 | 21.1 | +134.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland or York safer?
York is safer with a total crime rate of 505 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portland has a violent crime rate of 266.9 per 100K while York has 49.1. York 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 York, ME
York, Maine, a coastal town settled in 1630, is known for its historic village and picturesque beaches. With a population of around 13,000, it's a popular summer destination in southern Maine. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 14,249, York has a total crime rate of 505.3 per 100,000 residents.