Is Medford or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Medford (Safety Score 100/100 vs 61/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,379 for Medford — 99% lower. Medford 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 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.2 | 16.5 | +1,362.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 179.5 | 16.5 | +163.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.8 | 0.0 | +21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.5 | 0.9 | +22.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.2 | 8.0 | +126.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,199.6 | 0.0 | +1,199.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.2 | 0.0 | +77.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,006.7 | 0.0 | +1,006.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.8 | 0.0 | +115.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,379 for Medford — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 179.5 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 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.