Is Norton or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Norton (Safety Score 100/100 vs 99/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 236 for Norton — 93% lower. Norton 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 10.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norton, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norton | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 236.1 | 16.5 | +219.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 159.1 | 16.5 | +142.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 41.1 | 0.0 | +41.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.3 | 0.9 | +9.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 107.8 | 8.0 | +99.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 77.0 | 0.0 | +77.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 20.5 | 0.0 | +20.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 41.1 | 0.0 | +41.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 15.4 | 0.0 | +15.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norton or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 236 for Norton — a 93% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norton has a violent crime rate of 159.1 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Norton, MA
Norton, MA, a rural town in Bristol County, is home to Wheaton College, founded in 1834. Its population is predominantly white, with a median age of 41. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 19,484, Norton has a total crime rate of 236.1 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.