Performance Measure 32 Crime Benchmark Maine's crime rate will decrease from 32.7 incidents per 1000 people per year in 1994 to below 31 incidents per 1,000 people per year by 2005. Assessment Excellent Nationally This performance measure gets a gold star because Maine's crime rate is typically one of the best in the nation. U.S. crime rates in 1996 averaged 50 incidences per 1,000 people, while the Maine average was only 33.9 incidences per 1,000 people. With the eighth lowest crime rate in the nation, Maine is a relatively safe place to live. By comparison, national rates and New England rates of both property and violent crimes decreased from 1995 to 1996.
Maine has the third lowest crime rate in New England, behind Vermont and New Hampshire.
Crime is an important performance measure because it adds to the cost of conducting business and to the tax burden for prosecution and incarceration of criminals. In addition, lower crime rates mean Maine offers individuals and businesses a safe environment in which to live, raise children, and do business. We have moved toward the benchmark. We have moved away from the benchmark. No significant movement either way.