Is Somerville or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Somerville (Safety Score 100/100 vs 43/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,920 for Somerville — 99% lower. Somerville 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 2.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Somerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Somerville, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Somerville | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,920.1 | 16.5 | +1,903.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 221.4 | 16.5 | +204.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 15.9 | 0.0 | +15.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 24.5 | 0.9 | +23.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 181.0 | 8.0 | +173.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,698.8 | 0.0 | +1,698.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 289.9 | 0.0 | +289.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,279.3 | 0.0 | +1,279.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 129.6 | 0.0 | +129.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Somerville or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,920 for Somerville — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Somerville has a violent crime rate of 221.4 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, a densely populated city immediately north of Boston, is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. Historically home to many working-class immigrants, it's now a hub for young professionals and students. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 81,766, Somerville has a total crime rate of 1,920.1 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.