This City Has Been Named The Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Maine
The city of Augusta has been named the most dangerous neighborhood in Maine, according to a 2023 study by Movoto. The study looked at violent and property crime rates in cities across the state, and Augusta had the highest overall crime rate.
Augusta has a population of just under 19,000 people, but it had a total of 1,206 property crimes in 2023, giving it the most per person in the state. This, plus its 68 violent crimes (including one murder, 25 rapes, 16 robberies, and 26 assaults) gave Augusta the highest number of crimes per person in the state.
Residents of Augusta have a 1 in 15 chance of being the victim of a crime, according to the study.
Other Cities with High Crime Rates in Maine:
Augusta is not alone in its struggle against rising crime rates in Maine. Several other cities and towns in the state have experienced an uptick in criminal activity. Here are some of the cities with high crime rates according to the Movoto study:
- Biddeford: With a population of 21,730, Biddeford has a violent crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 people.
- Lewiston: A city with a population of 38,545, Lewiston has a violent crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 43.2 per 1,000 people.
- Bangor: This city, with a population of 31,293, has a violent crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 44.1 per 1,000 people.
- Auburn: Auburn, with a population of 23,889, has a violent crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 40.8 per 1,000 people.
- Houlton: A smaller town with a population of 6,113, Houlton experiences a violent crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 28.4 per 1,000 people.
- Rumford: With a population of 5,612, Rumford reports a violent crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 36.4 per 1,000 people.
- Portland: As the largest city on the list, Portland boasts a population of 66,417. It has a violent crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people.
- Sanford: Sanford, with a population of 20,798, has a violent crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 36.2 per 1,000 people.
- Waterville: This city, with a population of 15,557, has a violent crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 35.8 per 1,000 people.
- Sabattus: A smaller town with a population of 4,254, Sabattus has the lowest crime rates on the list, reporting a violent crime rate of 0.7 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 people.
Conclusion:
The designation of Augusta as the most dangerous neighborhood in Maine is a clear call to action for local authorities, residents, and community leaders. Addressing the root causes of the escalating crime rates in this and other affected cities is a shared responsibility that demands collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
It is crucial for local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to work together to implement effective crime prevention measures, improve public safety, and provide a better quality of life for residents. By acknowledging the problem and taking proactive steps, these cities can strive towards becoming safer communities, ensuring that their citizens can enjoy a secure and thriving environment.
