Augusta, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Augusta, ME

The Augusta crime rates are 86% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 85 violent crimes in Augusta (447 per 100,000 people), which is 20.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 737 property crimes (3876 per 100,000 residents) which is 98.3% higher than average.

With a total of 4323 crimes per 100,000 people, the Augusta crime rates stand at 86.02 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Augusta, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

In the latest reported crime year, Augusta recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Augusta faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3876 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Augusta stands at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Augusta?

AreaVibes surveyed 23 local residents in Augusta to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 30% of people answered that there was very little crime in Augusta and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 70% 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 Augusta a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Augusta is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Augusta has an overall crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.25 daily occurrences, comprising 0.23 violent crimes and 2.02 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Augusta as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Augusta Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Augusta has increased by 32.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Augusta is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 46.6%, while property crime has increased by 30.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Augusta.

Potential Causes for Crime in Augusta

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Augusta crime rates. Augusta registers a population density of 338.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Augusta, the cost of living is 0.5% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Augusta, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.82, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Augusta crime map