Saco, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Saco, 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 Saco is 28.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 30 violent crimes reported in Saco, equivalent to 143 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 61.3%. Additionally, Saco recorded 317 property crimes, amounting to 1514 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 22.5%.

In the latest reported crime year, Saco 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.

Is Saco a Safe Place to Live?

Is Saco a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Saco has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.95 daily incidents, encompassing 0.08 violent crimes and 0.87 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Saco as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Saco Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Saco. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Saco has increased by 36.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 6.3%, while property crimes have increased by 42.2%. 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 Saco

Saco has a population density of 511 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 Saco crime rates.

In Saco, 88.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Saco, there are 2.37 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Saco crime map