Top 3 Most Dangerous Cities In Maine: Discovering Into Vacationland’s Shadow

In 2023, Maine, typically known for its scenic beauty and friendly atmosphere, has areas grappling with crime issues. A review of 55 cities using the FBI’s latest crime data showed lower-than-average crime rates for Maine overall. However, certain regions, particularly the most dangerous cities in Maine, face higher crime challenges, highlighting the need for improved opportunities, wages, and rehabilitation programs. Explore which parts of Maine could use extra support.

Here’s a list of the most dangerous cities in Maine;

Biddeford: One of the most dangerous cities in Maine. (Photo: Travel + Leisure)

First on the list of the most dangerous cities in Maine is Biddeford. It is a quaint coastal city in Maine with origins tracing back to the arrival of European settlers in 1616, grapples with safety concerns primarily in its City Center and Biddeford West neighborhoods.

Notably, Biddeford reports one of the highest rates of violent crime among the most dangerous cities in Maine, nearly four times the state average. Those who reside in or visit Biddeford face twice the likelihood of experiencing property crimes compared to other areas in Maine. As of 2021, the city had a population of 22,569, with a violent crime rate of 4.03 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 22.91 per 1,000 residents.

Augusta: One of the most dangerous cities in Maine. (Photo: Exploring Maine)

Next on the list is Augusta. It is the capital of Maine, sits in the central part of the state along the picturesque Maine coastline and the Kennebec River. While Augusta’s violent crime rate remains lower than the national average, it is nearly three times higher than the state’s average.

Property crime rates in Augusta also surpass state averages, with a 1 in 33 chance of falling victim to property crimes in the city. As of 2021, Augusta had a population of 18,968, with a violent crime rate of 3.11 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 29.95 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Maine.

Houlton: One of the most dangerous cities in Maine. (Photo: Exploring Maine)

Lastly, Houlton. It is a small town at the junction of Highways 1 and 95, boasts low unemployment and affordable housing. Despite its charm, it faces a higher crime rate than the state average but lower than the national average.

With 145 larceny and 21 aggravated assault cases, Houlton’s population has gradually declined since 2011, except for a brief increase in 2016. Currently home to 5,713 residents, the town reports a violent crime rate of 385 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,905 incidents per 100,000 people, placing it among the most dangerous cities in Maine.

Read Also: Top 3 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Atlanta: The Glimpse Of Its Risky Areas