The National Council for Home Safety and Security has found that for 2016, Maine had the lowest rate of violent crime (1.97 per 1,000 residents) of any state. Among Maine communities with a population of 10,000 or more, Gorham was found to be the fourth safest.

Violent crimes include aggravated assault, murder, rape and robbery. Property crimes include burglary, arson, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft.

The top five communities in 2016 with a population of 10,000 or more with the lowest rate of violent crimes and their median incomes were:

Gorham’s Police Chief Dan Jones sees a strong sense of community in Gorham with “people being held accountable for their behavior. It’s hard for the police department to take credit for the low crime rate but we do have a great group of officers,” said Jones.