South Portland, ME Crime Rate & Safety

South Portland, ME has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 43% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 487 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 62 chance for property crime. South Portland has lower crime than 81% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

South Portland is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 17 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Loveitt's Field is one of the safest areas, while Meadowbrook has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Portland is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in South Portland are Loveitt's Field, Meetinghouse Hill, Stanwood Park, Ocean Street, and Willard. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in South Portland include Meadowbrook, Ligonia, Cash Corner, Thornton Heights, and Pleasantdale. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in South Portland is 205.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 487 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.2 per 100K (36% below average); aggravated assault at 147.2 per 100K (45% below average); robbery at 35.3 per 100K (52% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in South Portland is 1,605.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 62 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 133.6 per 100K (50% below average); larceny/theft at 1,212.8 per 100K (13% below average); vehicle theft at 258.7 per 100K (19% below average).

South Portland's overall crime rate is 43% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (13% below average), while robbery is 52% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Portland has lower crime than 81% of them.

South Portland is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 12% 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 Loveitt's Field, Meetinghouse Hill, Stanwood Park.

Maine as a whole has crime that is 24% above the national average. South Portland's crime rate is 43% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maine city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Portland, with an estimated rate of 1,212.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 13% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,605 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (205 per 100K) in South Portland, which is consistent with national trends.