Is Peabody or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Peabody (Safety Score 100/100 vs 71/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,092 for Peabody — 98% lower. Peabody 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 3.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Peabody — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Peabody, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Peabody | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,091.6 | 16.5 | +1,075.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 254.7 | 16.5 | +238.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 25.5 | 0.0 | +25.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.1 | 0.9 | +8.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 220.1 | 8.0 | +212.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 836.9 | 0.0 | +836.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 85.5 | 0.0 | +85.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 693.2 | 0.0 | +693.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 58.2 | 0.0 | +58.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peabody or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,092 for Peabody — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Peabody has a violent crime rate of 254.7 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Peabody, MA
Peabody, once a major center for leather tanning, is a city in Essex County with a population around 54,000. It's located just north of Salem and has a diverse community. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 54,964, Peabody has a total crime rate of 1,091.6 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.