Is Plymouth or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Plymouth (Safety Score 100/100 vs 74/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,018 for Plymouth — 98% lower. Plymouth 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 3.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Plymouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Plymouth, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Plymouth | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,017.7 | 16.5 | +1,001.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.6 | 16.5 | +306.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.9 | 7.5 | -4.6 |
| Rape Rate | 22.0 | 0.0 | +22.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.3 | 0.9 | +9.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 287.4 | 8.0 | +279.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 695.1 | 0.0 | +695.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.1 | 0.0 | +63.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 582.2 | 0.0 | +582.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 49.9 | 0.0 | +49.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plymouth or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,018 for Plymouth — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Plymouth has a violent crime rate of 322.6 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Plymouth, MA
Plymouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town south of Boston, holds the significant historical distinction of being the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620. Its population of over 60,000 residents reflects a mix of historical preservation and modern suburban life. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 68,195, Plymouth has a total crime rate of 1,017.7 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.