Is Swansea or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Swansea (Safety Score 100/100 vs 79/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 861 for Swansea — 98% lower. Swansea 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 12.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Swansea — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Swansea, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Swansea | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 860.9 | 16.5 | +844.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 129.4 | 16.5 | +112.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 22.5 | 0.0 | +22.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.3 | 0.9 | +10.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 95.7 | 8.0 | +87.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 731.5 | 0.0 | +731.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 61.9 | 0.0 | +61.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 579.6 | 0.0 | +579.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 90.0 | 0.0 | +90.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swansea or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 861 for Swansea — a 98% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Swansea has a violent crime rate of 129.4 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester has lower violent crime.
About Swansea, MA
Swansea, MA, settled in 1667, is a suburban town in Bristol County. Its eastern border is formed by the Taunton River, and many residents commute to Providence, RI. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 17,772, Swansea has a total crime rate of 860.9 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.