Old Town, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Old Town, ME

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Old Town is 63.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes reported in Old Town, equivalent to 27 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 92.7%. Additionally, Old Town recorded 61 property crimes, amounting to 827 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 57.7%.

Old Town has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 27 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Old Town ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Old Town showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Is Old Town a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Old Town is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Old Town has a total crime rate that is 63% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.17 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.17 daily property crimes) in Old Town.

Has Crime in Old Town Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Old Town. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Old Town has decreased by 40.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 33.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 40.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Old Town

Old Town has a poverty rate that stands at 21.4, 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 Old Town 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.

Old Town has a population density of 192 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Old Town crime rates.

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 Old Town, the cost of living is 1.11% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Old Town crime map