Is Southbridge or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Southbridge (Safety Score 100/100 vs 74/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,001 for Southbridge — 98% lower. Southbridge 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 11.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Southbridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Southbridge, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Southbridge | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,001.1 | 16.5 | +984.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 366.5 | 16.5 | +350.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 65.7 | 0.0 | +65.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.4 | 0.9 | +15.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 284.5 | 8.0 | +276.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 634.6 | 0.0 | +634.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 93.0 | 0.0 | +93.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 432.2 | 0.0 | +432.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.4 | 0.0 | +109.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southbridge or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,001 for Southbridge — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Southbridge has a violent crime rate of 366.5 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Southbridge, MA
Southbridge, once a thriving mill town known for its American Optical Company, sits on the Quinebaug River in southern Worcester County. Its diverse population now navigates a landscape of historic brick buildings and new developments. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 18,280, Southbridge has a total crime rate of 1,001.1 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.