Biddeford, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Biddeford, ME

The Biddeford crime rates are 37.7% 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 76 violent crimes in Biddeford (336 per 100,000 people), which is 9.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 649 property crimes (2866 per 100,000 residents) which is 46.6% higher than average.

Biddeford exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 336 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Biddeford as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Biddeford 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Biddeford?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Biddeford residents. Out of the respondents (10 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Biddeford were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Biddeford a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Biddeford, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Biddeford presents a total crime rate that is 38% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Biddeford experiences an average of 1.99 daily crimes, comprising 0.21 violent incidents and 1.78 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Biddeford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Biddeford crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Biddeford has increased by 19.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 16.5% and property crime has increased by 25.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Biddeford

In Biddeford, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Biddeford crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Biddeford, 81.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Biddeford, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.08 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Biddeford crime map