Is New Bedford or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than New Bedford (Safety Score 100/100 vs 49/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,712 for New Bedford — 99% lower. New Bedford 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 2.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bedford, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bedford | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,712.4 | 16.5 | +1,695.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 353.2 | 16.5 | +336.7 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 7.5 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 43.9 | 0.0 | +43.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.1 | 0.9 | +77.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.4 | 8.0 | +216.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,359.1 | 0.0 | +1,359.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.4 | 0.0 | +184.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 930.8 | 0.0 | +930.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 243.9 | 0.0 | +243.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bedford or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,712 for New Bedford — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bedford has a violent crime rate of 353.2 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 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.