Is Leicester or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Leicester (Safety Score 100/100 vs 75/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 976 for Leicester — 98% lower. Leicester 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 18.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Leicester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Leicester, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Leicester | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 975.6 | 16.5 | +959.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 310.4 | 16.5 | +293.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 0.0 | +26.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.9 | 0.9 | +7.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 274.9 | 8.0 | +266.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 665.2 | 0.0 | +665.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 79.8 | 0.0 | +79.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 558.8 | 0.0 | +558.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 26.6 | 0.0 | +26.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leicester or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 976 for Leicester — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Leicester has a violent crime rate of 310.4 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Leicester, MA
Leicester, Massachusetts, home to Becker College until its 2021 closure, is a small town in Worcester County. Its rural character is reflected in its numerous ponds and woodlands. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 11,275, Leicester has a total crime rate of 975.6 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.