Is Norwell or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Norwell (Safety Score 100/100 vs 91/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 531 for Norwell — 97% lower. Norwell 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 18.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norwell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norwell, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norwell | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 530.5 | 16.5 | +514.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 52.2 | 16.5 | +35.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 17.4 | 0.9 | +16.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 34.8 | 8.0 | +26.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 478.3 | 0.0 | +478.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 52.2 | 0.0 | +52.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 400.1 | 0.0 | +400.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 26.1 | 0.0 | +26.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norwell or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 531 for Norwell — a 97% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norwell has a violent crime rate of 52.2 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Norwell, MA
Norwell, Massachusetts, a picturesque South Shore town, was historically known for its shipbuilding industry along the North River. This affluent community, predominantly residential, boasts a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 11,498, Norwell has a total crime rate of 530.5 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.