Is Maine Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On February 22, 2022
Maine, United States
Safety Index:
86
* Based on Research & Crime Data

How safe is Maine for Travel?

Maine is a favorite vacation spot, especially in the warmer months.

For the most part, it is also an incredibly safe spot for you to visit.

The most northern state on the east coast, it also has an amazing 228 miles of coastline.

Just like its neighboring states, Maine, in general, is safe for visitors to travel in.

In fact, it has the nickname “VacationaLand”.

Also, visitors are very safe when they are in Maine.

It’s an extremely safe state, and all the rankings show that it is at the top.

Plus, lawmakers are active in helping it to be safe.

Regular laws and regulations are constantly updated to improve the livability of the state and also to uphold its reputation as one of the safest in the country.

Warnings & Dangers in Maine

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Overall, Maine is ranked low for danger in terms of travel. It is ranked number 10 in the country in terms of the safest states to visit. The World Atlas analyzes data like overall violence rates and crime rates. Also, all six New England states are ranked as exceptionally safe places to live. Also, the safety from natural disasters makes Maine a safe place to visit. No matter what time of year you're visiting, Mother Nature will probably help to keep you safe.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

When getting in a car with someone you don't know, it's always a question in your mind if it is a safe decision. Maine has a low rate of assault when compared to other states, so it is a safe place. Also, the State of Maine has an excellent public transportation system. Options include buses, trains, and ferries. If you like to cycle, the State of Maine recently invested in a program to make "active transportation" like skateboarding or bicycling easier with designated trails.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

While pickpockets as a whole are declining in number, the risk of being pick-pocketed in Maine is low. This is true for anywhere in the United States, as there just aren't that many pickpockets there. Basic security measures like always watching your stuff are a common-sense approach you can take.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Maine in general is very safe from natural disasters. However, it gets a "medium" ranking because it is on the coast. The proximity to water, and occasional winter storms, mean that it is not completely safe. The biggest risk from natural disasters that Maine has is due to flooding.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Overall, the risk of being a victim of a violent crime in Maine is low. Something that is important to note is that the risk of violent crimes is exceedingly higher in more populated areas. For example, in Portland, Maine, the risk of property crime is about 1 in 60, which seems very high. When looking at the robbery rate per 100,000 people in general, Maine has a rate that is the fourth lowest in the country. So, you are probably safe.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The terrorism risk in Maine is low. There have never been any reported terrorist attacks in Maine, so there is no historical legacy of it being a matter of concern in the state. So, you will very unlikely have to worry about terrorism in Maine.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of being victimized by a scam in Maine is medium. These white-collar crimes are on the rise in the US as a whole. Be sure to take precautions when vacationing to protect yourself from being victimized by a scam. Craigslist scams or telephone scams may be a concern.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women's traveler's risk in Maine is low. It is ranked as one of the best places in the United States for women to travel. With its beautiful sites, laid-back lifestyle, and general safeness, there are a lot of opportunities for women in Maine to enjoy traveling safely.

Tap Water Risk

TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM

The tap water risk in Maine is medium. In many areas, potentially harmful nitrates have been on the rise, due to effects from agriculture. The risk is highest in areas that run on wells and untreated water. Tap water has local requirements that make it safer.

Safest Places to Visit in Maine

There are many safe and enjoyable places for people in Maine to visit.

Low population towns have the lowest crime ranks and are at the smallest risk of any crime.

The top safest place to visit in Maine is Sabattus.

It is in Oxford county, and it has a crime rate that is 20 times less frequent than compared to anywhere else in the United States.

Cape Elizabeth is a seaside town that is also very safe.

The general culture of Cape Elizabeth is focused on friendliness, and people do look out for each other here!

Places to Avoid in Maine

Highly populated areas in cities will have some more seedy areas that could potentially be dangerous to travel for.

When talking to locals, they suggest avoiding certain parts of Bangalore.

For example, Bangor has a crime rate that is 50% higher than the rest of the country.

Another area to avoid in Maine to avoid crime is Portland.

The overall crime rate was 13.98% higher than the national average.

In Maine, it was ranked 99 out of 109 in terms of the safety of the city.

Also, the total crime rate was 2,822 for every 100,000 people.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Maine

  1. Back up your data. When you are traveling, save copies of your payment methods to the cloud, if possible. This means that in any event, you can have access to your cards and data.
  2. Share your travel itinerary. Share your travel plans with one other person that you trust. Give them all of the details that are necessary so they know when to expect you and when. They should also know where you are staying, and any contact details of the host if you are visiting someone or similar circumstances
  3. Learn common travel scams. Brush up on all of the latest travel scams that have been circulating. It’s important to stay up to date on the most common threats and be aware so you can be safe.
  4. Check the state department website. Learn of any potential hazards or current state of affairs by looking at the public website. Even though we are out of the thick of the most dangerous part of the pandemic, it’s important to be aware and see what the latest news is to be the safest.
  5. Write down all emergency information. Have a physical copy of credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, and any necessary contact information.
  6. Lock up valuables. Use a safe bolted down to the floor in your home to store any valuable items, like jewelry or electronics, when you are away. Also, find a way to secure your belongings when you are on the move.
  7. Have an extra wallet. The absolute safest thing you can do is to have multiple wallets and copies of identification and credit cards stored in two different places, especially if you are flying!
  8. Don’t overshare with strangers. Make up a fake backstory if you need to. Don’t open up to strangers because you never quite know where they are coming from.
  9. Don’t post about it on social media. Do not share that you are out of town on your Facebook. Also, don’t post your exact location either! It’s best to be safe when it comes to sharing information on the internet
  10. Ask locals. Talk to locals and see where all the best spots are for traveling and eating. You will probably get some insider information that can make all the difference during your trip.

So... How Safe Is Maine Really?

Maine is a very safe place for people to live and travel in.

In fact, it is so safe, that it only requires 195 police officers per 100,000 residents!

The demographics of Maine are one reason why it is so safe.

The overall poverty rate is lower than in other places in the United States.

This means there is less reason why someone would commit a robbery.

Also, the communities in Maine are very close-knit, and they look out for each other.

Overall, this means that the crime rates are lower in the neighborly environment.

Sources say that it routinely ranks as the safest for many types of crime.

Researchers suggest that one of the reasons Maine is so safe is because it is a “Constitutional Carry” state.

This means that people in Maine can carry a concealed registered gun.

This means that criminals know that they would be at risk for any occurrence of violent crime.

In fact, Maine has the lowest number of assaults per capita in the country.

This means that the laws are working, and visitors are safe from many types of violent crime if they decide to make “Vactionaland” their vacation destination any time of year.

The general lifestyle and climate make it extremely safe, and one of the safest in the United States.

How Does Maine Compare?

StateSafety Index
Maine86
Kansas81
Iowa82
Idaho85
Illinois77
Indiana61
Alaska65
Colorado82
Florida70

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

Maine is actually facing a foreign worker shortage. To get a Visa to Maine, you need to go through the visa process with the United States. The first step is a visa application.

Currency

Currency

Just like any other state in the United States, the currency for Maine is the USD. You can convert your currency or use an international credit card.

Weather

Weather

Maine's winters are snowy and cold. The summers are warm and mild. It also has seasonal changes in the spring and the fall. June is the hottest month and November is the wettest month.

Airports

Airports

There are many airports in Maine. In total, there are three international airports. These are Bangor International Airport, Portland International Airport, and Portland International Airport.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is always a good move when you are in a different area. Travel insurance helps cover your needs if there was a need medically. Also, it will cover the cost of your belongings. Additionally, it will protect you if you need help with alternative flight tickets.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Maine Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -7° C
Feb -5° C
Mar 1° C
Apr 7° C
May 14° C
Jun 19° C
Jul 22° C
Aug 21° C
Sep 17° C
Oct 10° C
Nov 4° C
Dec -3° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
-2051219242726221581
Low
°C
-11-9-4281316161150-7
High
°F
283241546675817972594634
Low
°F
121625364655616152413219

Maine - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Bangor75
Bar Harbor83
Bethel88
Biddeford86
Calais88
Camden86
Carrabassett Valley92
Kennebunkport84
Lewiston/Auburn78
Ogunquit87
Presque Isle/Caribou94
Rockland82
South Portland82

Where to Next?

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