A
18%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
78%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
6%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHoulton/100k peopleMaine/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime116n/a (estimate)1,9111,3172,324
Murder0n/a0.02.26.3
Rape0n/a0.032.040.0
Robbery0n/a0.010.066.1
Assault5n/a82.459.0268.2
Violent crime5n/a (estimate)82103370
Burglary8n/a131.8115.9269.8
Theft103n/a1,696.61,026.81,401.9
Vehicle theft0n/a0.070.9282.7
Property crime111n/a (estimate)1,8281,2141,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Houlton, ME

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Houlton crime rate is lower than the national average by 17.8%. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes in Houlton, equivalent to 82 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 77.7%. Furthermore, Houlton recorded 111 property crimes, amounting to 1828 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 6.5%.

With only 82 incidents per 100,000 people, Houlton boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Houlton has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Houlton reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

In the most recent release, Houlton reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Houlton, there were 1828 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Houlton was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Houlton?

AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Houlton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 0% of people answered that there was very little crime in Houlton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 100% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Houlton a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Houlton a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Houlton crime rate is 18% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.32 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.3 property crimes.

Has Crime in Houlton Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Houlton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Houlton has decreased by 44.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 44.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Houlton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Houlton

Houlton has a poverty rate that stands at 17.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Houlton crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Houlton, the cost of living is 5.98% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Houlton, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.28 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Houlton crime map



The Houlton crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Houlton as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Houlton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Houlton crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Houlton, ME Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Houlton crime rates are 18% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Houlton are 78% lower than the national average
      • In Houlton you have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Houlton is safer than 62% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Houlton has decreased by 48%

      Houlton, ME Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Houlton (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Houlton, per 100,000 residents. In Houlton, the total number of daily crimes is 1.45 times more than the Maine average and 1.22 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Houlton are 1.25 times less than the Maine average and 4.49 times less than the national average. For property crime, Houlton has a daily crime rate that is 1.51 times more than the Maine average and 1.07 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Houlton (higher is better)

        How safe is Houlton, Maine compared to other cities in Maine and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Houlton is safer than 29% of the cities in Maine and 62% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Maine and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Houlton. Overall, Houlton is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Houlton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Houlton is 1 in 1215
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Houlton is 1 in 55
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Houlton is 1 in 53
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Houlton, Maine you have a 1 in 1215 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Houlton.

        Year Over Year Crime In Houlton (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Houlton, ME is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Houlton has decreased by 53%, while the property crime rate in Houlton has decreased by 47% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Houlton has decreased by 48% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Houlton police department

        Item Houlton Maine National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)201,653558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.32.13.3
        There are a total of 20 Houlton police officers. This results in 3.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 59.2% greater than the Maine average and 0.9% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Maine

        State Total offenders Maine /100K National /100K
        Maine2,822220266
        There are a total of 2,822 sex offenders in Maine. This yields a total of 220 sex offenders in Maine per 100,000 residents which is 17% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Houlton, ME4,897821,8281,911

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Davison, MI4,8962371,0481,285
        Mattituck, NY4,898111447559
        Long View, NC4,8983892,4672,855
        Willits, CA4,895404081
        Mount Pleasant, TN4,8996161,3962,012
        Houlton, ME4,897821,8281,911
        Source: The Houlton, ME crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.