Is Acton or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Acton (Safety Score 100/100 vs 95/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 416 for Acton — 96% lower. Acton has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Worcester is 8.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Acton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Acton, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Acton | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 416.2 | 16.5 | +399.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 65.3 | 16.5 | +48.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 7.5 | -3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 0.0 | +12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 0.9 | -0.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 49.0 | 8.0 | +41.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 350.9 | 0.0 | +350.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.5 | 0.0 | +77.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 261.2 | 0.0 | +261.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 12.2 | 0.0 | +12.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acton or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 416 for Acton — a 96% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Acton has a violent crime rate of 65.3 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Acton, MA
Acton, a Middlesex County town established in 1735, boasts a rich history including Minutemen participation. Located about 20 miles west-northwest of Boston, it is primarily residential with a highly educated population. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 24,506, Acton has a total crime rate of 416.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Worcester, MA
Worcester, a city of hills in Central Massachusetts, boasts a rich industrial past, home to the first American-made Valentine's Day cards. It's the second-most populous city in New England outside of Boston. With a safety score of 100/100 and a population coverage of 212,425, Worcester has a total crime rate of 16.5 per 100,000 residents.