Is Norfolk or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 100/100 vs 94/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 431 for Norfolk — 96% lower. Norfolk 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 18.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norfolk | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 431.3 | 16.5 | +414.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 50.7 | 16.5 | +34.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 0.9 | -0.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.7 | 8.0 | +42.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 380.6 | 0.0 | +380.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 152.2 | 0.0 | +152.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 194.5 | 0.0 | +194.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 33.8 | 0.0 | +33.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 431 for Norfolk — a 96% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 50.7 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Norfolk, MA
Norfolk, Massachusetts, a small town in southeastern Massachusetts, is primarily residential with a median age of around 40. It was once home to the Norfolk County Agricultural School, reflecting its rural past. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 11,824, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 431.3 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.