The Top 10 Most Dangerous Places in Maine

Maine is ranked as one of the top five safest states. Per capita, Maine has the lowest number of assaults and violent crimes of any state in the United States. Overall, it is ranked one of the top three states in personal safety. However, some places in Maine are safer than others. Here are the top ten most dangerous places in Maine.

10. Sanford

Sanford is a favored location for campers, featuring gorgeous woods and several lakes. Reincorporated as a city in 2013, Sanford has excellent schools and job opportunities. However, property crime rates are prevalent in Sanford, with 578 reported in 2019.

Based on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report “2019 Crime in the United States: Maine,” here is the crime record for Sanford, with a population of 21,233 in 2019:

• 578 property crimes
• 109 burglaries
• 456 thefts
• 19 aggravated assaults
• 41 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population in Sanford of 21,272:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 164
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 2,656

The safest areas to live in Sanford include the west of Springvale, the southeast of Sanford, and the southwest of Sanford.

9. Presque Isle

Located close to the Great North Woods, Presque Isle attracts many outdoor athletes and sportsmen. A fantastic location for snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, many hunters and fishermen enjoy Presque Isle as well.

However, residents in Presque Isle experience a higher risk of theft, burglary, and property crimes than in other cities in Maine.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Presque Isle’s population of 8,918, the city had:

• 225 property crimes
• 42 burglaries
• 171 thefts
• 18 aggravated assaults
• 23 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 8,937 in Presque Isle:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 179
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 2,349

The Phair and City Center neighborhoods in Presque Isle are the safest areas.

8. Lewiston

Experiencing economic and social growth in recent years, Lewiston is known for its low cost of living and access to excellent medical care. It is also the second most populated city in Maine, and Lewiston has the largest French-speaking population in the United States.

However, Lewiston struggles with crime rates higher than the state averages, mostly in the categories of murder, robbery, larceny, and property crimes.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Lewiston’s population of 35,865, the city had:

• 716 property crimes
• 122 burglaries
• 555 thefts
• 58 aggravated assaults
• 107 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 36,186 in Lewiston:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 268
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 1,765

The safest areas in Lewiston are Bates College, Pond Road, and Lewiston East.

7. Skowhegan

This city is known as home to the oldest continuously held state fair; visitors can catch the Skowhegan State Fair every August. First beginning in January 1819, the weather must have been mild because the fair had the largest crowds Somerset County had ever seen.

While there are many community events and historical sites to see in Skowhegan, the city struggles with higher-than-average rates of property crimes and larceny compared to the state’s averages.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Skowhegan’s population of 8,214, the city had:

• 199 property crimes
• 21 burglaries
• 170 thefts
• 13 aggravated assaults
• 25 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 8,202 in Skowhegan:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 170
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 2,755

Some of the safer neighborhoods in Skowhegan are Malbons Mills and Town Center.

6. Bangor

Known for its iconic 30-foot Paul Bunyan statue, Bangor is the third most populated city in Maine. Its nickname is “Queen City,” though no one knows where it originated. Some surmise it’s because the lights on the banister atop the Thomas Hill Standpipe are referred to as the city’s “crown jewels.” This is ironic as Bangor is one of the worst areas in Maine for property crimes.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Bangor’s population of 31,872, the city had:

• 1,168 property crimes
• 64 burglaries
• 1,076 thefts
• 18 aggravated assaults
• 35 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 32,179 in Bangor:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 158
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 3,750

While its violent crime rate is considered below average, Bangor’s property crime rate is 63.3 compared to the national average of 35.4. Overall, the northwest part of the city is the safest.

5. Auburn

This city is said to be named after the Auburn in the poem “The Deserted Village” by Oliver Goldsmith. Settled in 1786, many places in Auburn are on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the city excels in industries such as plastic laminates, automotive products, and electrical components. It’s also the fifth most dangerous place in Maine.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Auburn’s population of 23,214, the city had:

• 511 property crimes
• 56 burglaries
• 445 thefts
• 15 aggravated assaults
• 34 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 23,455 in Auburn:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 196 
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 2,208 

People who live in Auburn generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest.

4. Biddeford

Featuring a performing arts theater, a cultural and heritage center, and even a spiritual center, Biddeford is rich with history as one of the earliest European settlements in the United States. Unfortunately, the city also deals with high property crime rates and theft.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Biddeford’s population of 21,545, the city had:

• 578 property crimes
• 53 burglaries
• 511 thefts
• 59 aggravated assaults
• 92 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 21,530 in Biddeford:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 232 
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 1,955 

While its violent crime rate is below the national average, it is above average when compared to the rest of Maine. However, the southeast part of Biddeford is regarded as the safest region.

3. Waterville

Home to Colby College and Thomas College, Waterville’s public education also has above-average rates. Nicknamed “Elm City” for its abundant elm trees, Waterville is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Maine. Unfortunately, it also stands out for crime rates.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Waterville’s population of 16,765, the city had:

• 442 property crimes
• 33 burglaries
• 398 thefts
• 17 aggravated assaults
• 37 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 16,654 in Waterville:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 192
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 2,497

The northwest part of the city is the safest to live.

2. Houlton

Sitting on the Canada-United States border, Houlton is a fantastic area for fishing and hunting. Plus, the Northern Lights are stunning in this city. However, the crime rate is less pleasing.

Based on the FBI’s 2019 report, with Houlton’s population of 5,720, the city had:

• 160 property crimes
• 18 burglaries
• 134 thefts
• 16 aggravated assaults
• 20 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 5,713 in Houlton:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 385
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 2,905

The northwest part of the city is the safest to live.

1. Augusta

As the capital of the state and one of the top 15 most populated cities in Maine, Augusta bustles with center a lot of activity. The downtown district attracts many new businesses, and many civic events and conventions occur in this capital city.

Unfortunately, Augusta is also plagued by the highest violent crime and property crime numbers in the state. Statistically, Augusta is the most dangerous place in Maine.

According to the FBI’s 2019 report, with Augusta’s population of 18,629, the city had:

• 587 property crimes
• 59 burglaries
• 519 thefts
• 17 aggravated assaults
• 49 violent crimes

Looking at an overview of crime numbers in 2023, with a population of 18,653 in Augusta:

• Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 402
• Property Crimes Per 100,000: 3,307

In general, the northeast part of the city is the safest area to live in Augusta.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com