Is North Adams or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than North Adams (Safety Score 100/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 3,752 for North Adams — 100% lower. North Adams 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 17.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Adams — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Adams, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Adams | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,751.5 | 16.5 | +3,735.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,194.0 | 16.5 | +1,177.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 56.5 | 0.0 | +56.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 72.6 | 0.9 | +71.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,065.0 | 8.0 | +1,057.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,557.5 | 0.0 | +2,557.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 330.8 | 0.0 | +330.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,186.4 | 0.0 | +2,186.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 40.3 | 0.0 | +40.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Adams or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 3,752 for North Adams — a 100% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Adams has a violent crime rate of 1,194.0 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About North Adams, MA
Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, North Adams is a small city of roughly 13,000 residents. It's home to MASS MoCA, a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former mill complex, reflecting its industrial past and cultural present. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 12,395, North Adams has a total crime rate of 3,751.5 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.