Is Burlington or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Burlington (Safety Score 100/100 vs 44/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,888 for Burlington — 99% lower. Burlington has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Worcester is 7.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.6 | 16.5 | +1,871.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.9 | 16.5 | +208.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 22.1 | 0.0 | +22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 0.9 | +13.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 188.0 | 8.0 | +180.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.7 | 0.0 | +1,662.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.9 | 0.0 | +95.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.0 | 0.0 | +1,519.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 0.0 | +47.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,888 for Burlington — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 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.