Is Boston or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Boston (Safety Score 100/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 99% lower. Boston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 3.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 16.5 | +2,633.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 16.5 | +611.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 7.5 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 0.0 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.9 | +125.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 8.0 | +464.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 0.0 | +2,021.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 0.0 | +177.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 0.0 | +1,687.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 0.0 | +156.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 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.