B-
12%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
45%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
23%
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 peopleSanford/100k peopleMaine/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime580n/a (estimate)2,5991,3172,324
Murder1n/a4.52.26.3
Rape28n/a125.532.040.0
Robbery1n/a4.510.066.1
Assault15n/a67.259.0268.2
Violent crime45n/a (estimate)202103370
Burglary38n/a170.3115.9269.8
Theft469n/a2,101.71,026.81,401.9
Vehicle theft28n/a125.570.9282.7
Property crime535n/a (estimate)2,3971,2141,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sanford, 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 Sanford crime rate is higher than the national average by 11.8%. Specifically, there were 45 violent crimes in Sanford, equivalent to 202 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 45.5%. Furthermore, Sanford recorded 535 property crimes, amounting to 2397 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 22.7%.

When evaluating the Sanford crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Sanford crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sanford?

What do the local residents think about crime in Sanford? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 14% of Sanford residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 86% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Sanford a Safe Place to Live?

Is Sanford 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, Sanford has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 12%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.59 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 1.47 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Sanford as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Sanford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sanford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sanford has increased by 5.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 12.5%, while property crimes have increased by 4.7%. 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 Sanford

Sanford has a poverty rate that stands at 11.2, 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 Sanford 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.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Sanford, 81% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Sanford has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.15 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Sanford crime map



The Sanford crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sanford 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 Sanford crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sanford 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 Sanford, ME Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sanford crime rates are 12% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sanford are 45% lower than the national average
      • In Sanford you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sanford is safer than 41% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sanford has not changed

      Sanford, ME Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sanford

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        Daily Crime In Sanford (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Sanford, per 100,000 residents. In Sanford, the total number of daily crimes is 1.97 times more than the Maine average and 1.12 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Sanford are 1.95 times more than the Maine average and 1.83 times less than the national average. For property crime, Sanford has a daily crime rate that is 1.98 times more than the Maine average and 1.23 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Sanford (higher is better)

        Is Sanford safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Maine as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Sanford to other cities in the state and across the country, Sanford is 10% safer than other cities of Maine and 41% safer than other cities in the nation. Sanford has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sanford

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sanford is 1 in 496
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sanford is 1 in 42
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sanford is 1 in 39
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Sanford? In Sanford, ME you have a 1 in 496 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 42 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Sanford.

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

        A good indicator of whether Sanford is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Sanford has increased by 7%, while the property crime rate in Sanford has not changed year over year. The number of total crimes in Sanford has not changed year over year.

        Sanford police department

        Item Sanford Maine National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)451,653558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.22.13.3
        There are a total of 45 Sanford police officers. This results in 2.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.4% greater than the Maine average and 33.9% less 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
        West Kennebunk, ME1,15414170185
        North Berwick, ME1,71697387484
        Kennebunk, ME5,79225534559
        Berwick, ME1,985110721831
        Milton, NH5371109051,015
        Alfred, ME997951,1181,213
        Farmington, NH4,1403641,1351,499
        Sanford, ME21,1662022,3972,599

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Sapulpa, OK21,1702451,6311,876
        Piqua, OH21,1593613,0073,368
        Sun Valley, NV21,1796493,4004,049
        Easley, SC21,1493572,6653,023
        East Ridge, TN21,1876062,1892,795
        Sanford, ME21,1662022,3972,599
        Source: The Sanford, 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.