PORTLAND, Maine — Greater Portlanders feel safe. How safe? More than your average American city dweller come nightfall.
A new Gallup Poll released this week ranks Maine’s largest city eighth among metro areas across the country for residents feeling secure walking at night.
According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, 82.2 percent of residents in Portland, South Portland and Biddeford, polled from January 2012 through December 2013, were unconcerned about hitting the streets alone after dark.
The survey looked at 189 metro areas and culled data from interviews with 300 adults age 18 and older over a two-year span. Factors such as demographics, street lighting and police presence were variables.
Down south in McAllen, Texas, only 48.5 percent of those surveyed would venture out on their own. The safest city — in the eyes of its residents — is Holland, Mich.
Though Portland has had its share of scares, most notably the assault of Elvis Costello’s production manager in daylight in Congress Square in November, the streets are deemed harmless for singles.
“I’ve lived here for two years and walk and bike alone at night frequently,” said Kate McAlaine, 35, who lives on Munjoy Hill. “Only once have I had the feeling that someone might not have the best intentions.”
Nationally, 70.5 percent of Americans on average felt safe walking alone in the communities where they live, according to Gallup.
The report also found a link between security at night and affordable housing. Portland ranks sixth in its ability to provide affordable shelter.
That comes as a surprise considering the city’s acute apartment shortage.
A study released this year by the National Low Income Housing Coalition calculates that in order to afford a fair market, two-bedroom apartment, a Mainer must earn $16.19 an hour. Under the state’s $7.50 minimum wage, the average worker would need to put in 86 hours a week to afford an $842-a-month apartment.
McAlaine, who grew up outside Philadelphia, said, “I’m a little surprised it’s in the top 10. Like any city it has its dark side.”
