Is Needham or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Needham (Safety Score 100/100 vs 85/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 699 for Needham — 98% lower. Needham has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Worcester is 6.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Needham, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Needham | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 698.6 | 16.5 | +682.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.9 | 16.5 | +35.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 0.0 | +12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 0.9 | -0.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.7 | 8.0 | +31.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 646.8 | 0.0 | +646.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 73.2 | 0.0 | +73.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 536.9 | 0.0 | +536.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.6 | 0.0 | +36.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Needham or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 699 for Needham — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Needham has a violent crime rate of 51.9 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 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.