Is Hanover or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Hanover (Safety Score 100/100 vs 71/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,086 for Hanover — 98% lower. Hanover 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 14.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hanover — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hanover, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hanover | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,086.1 | 16.5 | +1,069.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 106.6 | 16.5 | +90.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.3 | 0.9 | +12.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 93.3 | 8.0 | +85.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 979.5 | 0.0 | +979.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 53.3 | 0.0 | +53.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.9 | 0.0 | +872.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 53.3 | 0.0 | +53.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanover or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,086 for Hanover — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hanover has a violent crime rate of 106.6 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Hanover, MA
Hanover, Massachusetts, settled in 1727, is a suburban town located in Plymouth County. Its historic Four Corners area reflects its past as an agricultural community. The town is home to over 14,000 residents. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 15,008, Hanover has a total crime rate of 1,086.1 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.