Is Swampscott or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Swampscott (Safety Score 100/100 vs 68/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 1,157 for Swampscott — 99% lower. Swampscott 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 13.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Swampscott — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Swampscott, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Swampscott | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,156.7 | 16.5 | +1,140.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 81.7 | 16.5 | +65.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.3 | 0.0 | +6.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.3 | 0.9 | +5.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 69.2 | 8.0 | +61.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,075.0 | 0.0 | +1,075.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 119.4 | 0.0 | +119.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 911.6 | 0.0 | +911.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 44.0 | 0.0 | +44.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swampscott or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 1,157 for Swampscott — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Swampscott has a violent crime rate of 81.7 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Swampscott, MA
Swampscott, a coastal town north of Boston, boasts a rich history as the birthplace of the modern lobster industry. Its scenic shoreline, with beaches and rocky outcrops, defines much of the affluent community. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 15,907, Swampscott has a total crime rate of 1,156.7 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.