Is Northampton or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Northampton (Safety Score 100/100 vs 49/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,717 for Northampton — 99% lower. Northampton 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 7.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Northampton, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Northampton | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,717.2 | 16.5 | +1,700.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 445.1 | 16.5 | +428.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 7.5 | -4.2 |
| Rape Rate | 63.1 | 0.0 | +63.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.3 | 0.9 | +12.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 365.4 | 8.0 | +357.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,272.1 | 0.0 | +1,272.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 162.8 | 0.0 | +162.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,069.5 | 0.0 | +1,069.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 39.9 | 0.0 | +39.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northampton or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,717 for Northampton — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Northampton has a violent crime rate of 445.1 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 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.