Is Chelmsford or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Chelmsford (Safety Score 100/100 vs 65/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,250 for Chelmsford — 99% lower. Chelmsford 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 5.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 16.5 | +1,233.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 16.5 | +105.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 0.0 | +16.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 0.9 | +1.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 8.0 | +95.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 0.0 | +1,127.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 0.0 | +116.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 0.0 | +975.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 0.0 | +35.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,250 for Chelmsford — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 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.