Is Reading or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Reading (Safety Score 100/100 vs 90/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 572 for Reading — 97% lower. Reading has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Worcester is 8.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Reading | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 572.1 | 16.5 | +555.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 38.7 | 16.5 | +22.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 15.5 | 0.0 | +15.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 0.9 | -0.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 23.2 | 8.0 | +15.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 533.4 | 0.0 | +533.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.3 | 0.0 | +77.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 436.8 | 0.0 | +436.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 19.3 | 0.0 | +19.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reading or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 572 for Reading — a 97% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Reading has a violent crime rate of 38.7 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Reading, MA
Reading, a Middlesex County town north of Boston, boasts a rich history, including the Parker Tavern, one of the oldest buildings in the US. With a population exceeding 25,000, it's a commuter-friendly community. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 25,871, Reading has a total crime rate of 572.1 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.