Is Framingham or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Framingham (Safety Score 100/100 vs 60/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,380 for Framingham — 99% lower. Framingham 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 2.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Framingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Framingham, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Framingham | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.9 | 16.5 | +1,363.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 325.5 | 16.5 | +309.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 0.0 | +9.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.4 | 0.9 | +26.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 288.6 | 8.0 | +280.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,054.4 | 0.0 | +1,054.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 374.7 | 0.0 | +374.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 568.9 | 0.0 | +568.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 110.8 | 0.0 | +110.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Framingham or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,380 for Framingham — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Framingham has a violent crime rate of 325.5 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Framingham, MA
Framingham, home to the world's first marathon, is a populous town in Middlesex County. Its diverse population of over 72,000 residents reflects its history as a manufacturing hub and present-day status as a regional center. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 73,123, Framingham has a total crime rate of 1,379.9 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.