Is Malden or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Malden (Safety Score 100/100 vs 57/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,472 for Malden — 99% lower. Malden 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 3.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Malden — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Malden, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Malden | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,471.7 | 16.5 | +1,455.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 292.2 | 16.5 | +275.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 15.1 | 0.0 | +15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.4 | 0.9 | +38.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 237.7 | 8.0 | +229.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,179.5 | 0.0 | +1,179.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.1 | 0.0 | +121.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 888.8 | 0.0 | +888.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 169.6 | 0.0 | +169.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malden or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,472 for Malden — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Malden has a violent crime rate of 292.2 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Malden, MA
Malden, a diverse city north of Boston, boasts a rich history as home to the first public high school in the United States. Its dense population and urban feel contribute to a dynamic community with varied socioeconomic backgrounds. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 66,046, Malden has a total crime rate of 1,471.7 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.