Scarborough, ME Crime Rate & Safety

Grade: A+

Lower crime than 99% of major U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026

53%
Below Avg Crime
1 in 450
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 77
Property Crime Risk
100%
Safe Neighborhoods

Is Scarborough Safe?

Yes — Scarborough is extremely safe

One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.

Scarborough has a crime rate that is 53% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 450.

100% of Scarborough neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety, while 0% have high crime rates.

Crime Index Comparison

Scarborough
47
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.

Your Chance of Being a Victim

Violent Crime

1 in 450

chance per year

National average: 1 in 263

42% lower than national average

Property Crime

1 in 77

chance per year

National average: 1 in 55

29% lower than national average

Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?

Scarborough Crime Breakdown

Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.

Highest Risk
Burglary · 21% below avg
Lowest Risk
Murder · 50% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
50 -50% Low
Assault
59 -41% Low
Robbery
55 -45% Low
Rape
61 -39% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
79 -21% Low
Larceny / Theft
64 -36% Low
Vehicle Theft
62 -38% Low

Violent vs Property Crime

Crime Index by Category

Scarborough Crime Map

Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Where Is It Safe in Scarborough?

Safety varies dramatically across Scarborough's 5+ neighborhoods.

Not sure which neighborhood you're in?

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

Out of 5 neighborhoods in Scarborough

All Scarborough Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Pine Point A+ 78
2 Higgins Beach A+ 167
3 Piper Shores A+ 167
4 West Scarbourough A+ 56
5 Prouts Neck A+ 69

Scarborough Crime by Zip Code

Explore crime data for specific Scarborough zip codes.

Scarborough Demographics & Context

Population
20,568
Median Income
$102,742
Home Value
$381,085
Median Rent
$1,399
Ownership
80%

Racial Demographics

Hispanic / Latino 1.5%
White 93%
Black 0.8%
Asian 3.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Scarborough, ME?

Scarborough, ME has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 450 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 77 chance for property crime. Scarborough has lower crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Is Scarborough, ME safe to live in?

Scarborough is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. Approximately 100% of the city's 5 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Scarborough is strongly recommended.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Scarborough?

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Scarborough are Pine Point, Higgins Beach, Piper Shores, West Scarbourough, and Prouts Neck. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

What is the violent crime rate in Scarborough?

The estimated violent crime rate in Scarborough is 222.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 42% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 450 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.5 per 100K (50% below average); aggravated assault at 158.2 per 100K (41% below average); robbery at 40.9 per 100K (45% below average).

What is the property crime rate in Scarborough?

The estimated property crime rate in Scarborough is 1,302.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 77 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 213.8 per 100K (21% below average); larceny/theft at 891.5 per 100K (36% below average); vehicle theft at 196.9 per 100K (38% below average).

How does Scarborough crime compare to the national average?

Scarborough's overall crime rate is 53% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (21% below average), while murder is 50% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Scarborough has lower crime than 99% of them.

Is Scarborough safe to visit?

Scarborough is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 29% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Pine Point, Higgins Beach, Piper Shores.

How does Scarborough crime compare to the rest of Maine?

Maine as a whole has crime that is 24% above the national average. Scarborough's crime rate is 53% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maine city.

What type of crime is most common in Scarborough?

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Scarborough, with an estimated rate of 891.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 36% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,302 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (222 per 100K) in Scarborough, which is consistent with national trends.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State