Is North Reading or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than North Reading (Safety Score 100/100 vs 93/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 472 for North Reading — 97% lower. North Reading 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 12.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Reading, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Reading | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 471.8 | 16.5 | +455.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 66.5 | 16.5 | +50.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.1 | 0.0 | +6.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.1 | 0.9 | +5.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.4 | 8.0 | +46.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 405.3 | 0.0 | +405.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 48.4 | 0.0 | +48.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 338.8 | 0.0 | +338.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 18.2 | 0.0 | +18.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Reading or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 472 for North Reading — a 97% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Reading has a violent crime rate of 66.5 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About North Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 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.