Is Oxford or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Oxford (Safety Score 100/100 vs 78/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 900 for Oxford — 98% lower. Oxford 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 15.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oxford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oxford, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oxford | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 900.4 | 16.5 | +884.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 236.2 | 16.5 | +219.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 36.9 | 0.0 | +36.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 0.9 | +13.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 184.5 | 8.0 | +176.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 664.3 | 0.0 | +664.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 125.5 | 0.0 | +125.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 479.7 | 0.0 | +479.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 59.0 | 0.0 | +59.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxford or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 900 for Oxford — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oxford has a violent crime rate of 236.2 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Oxford, MA
Oxford, Massachusetts, birthplace of Clara Barton, is a small town in Worcester County. Situated along the French River, it's home to a population of around 14,000 residents. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 13,549, Oxford has a total crime rate of 900.4 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.