Massachusetts's 25 Most Dangerous Cities - Updated 2023

Unmasking Massachusetts's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in total crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across Massachusetts. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in Massachusetts is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in Massachusetts. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in Massachusetts with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within Massachusetts. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Revere

County: Suffolk

842

Crime per 100,000 population

-56.92%

vs. Massachusetts average

-71.06%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Revere from 2012 to 2022

Revere is an area in Suffolk, Massachusetts with population of 60,720. The total crime rate in Revere is based on the nearest law agency agency, Revere Police Department (MA0130400). Revere total crime rate is 842 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Revere

#24 Peabody

County: Essex

887

Crime per 100,000 population

-54.65%

vs. Massachusetts average

-69.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Peabody from 2012 to 2022

Peabody is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 54,200. The total crime rate in Peabody is based on the nearest law agency agency, Peabody Police Department (MA0052500). Peabody total crime rate is 887 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Peabody

#23 Lawrence

County: Essex

964

Crime per 100,000 population

-50.68%

vs. Massachusetts average

-66.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Lawrence from 2012 to 2022

Lawrence is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 87,798. The total crime rate in Lawrence is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lawrence Police Department (MA0051300). Lawrence total crime rate is 964 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lawrence

#22 Holyoke

County: Hampden

970

Crime per 100,000 population

-50.39%

vs. Massachusetts average

-66.68%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Holyoke from 2012 to 2022

Holyoke is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 38,480. The total crime rate in Holyoke is based on the nearest law agency agency, Holyoke Police Department (MA0071000). Holyoke total crime rate is 970 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Holyoke

#21 Gardner

County: Worcester

1,004

Crime per 100,000 population

-48.63%

vs. Massachusetts average

-65.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Gardner from 2012 to 2022

Gardner is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 21,183. The total crime rate in Gardner is based on the nearest law agency agency, Gardner Police Department (MA0141600). Gardner total crime rate is 1,004 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Gardner

#20 Haverhill

County: Essex

1,014

Crime per 100,000 population

-48.15%

vs. Massachusetts average

-65.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Haverhill from 2012 to 2022

Haverhill is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 67,093. The total crime rate in Haverhill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Haverhill Police Department (MA0051100). Haverhill total crime rate is 1,014 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Haverhill

#19 Taunton

County: Bristol

1,032

Crime per 100,000 population

-47.21%

vs. Massachusetts average

-64.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Taunton from 2012 to 2022

Taunton is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 59,076. The total crime rate in Taunton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Taunton Police Department (MA0031900). Taunton total crime rate is 1,032 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Taunton

#18 Middleborough Center

County: Plymouth

1,071

Crime per 100,000 population

-45.23%

vs. Massachusetts average

-63.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Middleborough Center from 2012 to 2022

Middleborough Center is an area in Plymouth, Massachusetts with population of 7,790. The total crime rate in Middleborough Center is based on the nearest law agency agency, State Police: Dukes County (MA304SP00). Middleborough Center total crime rate is 1,071 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Middleborough Center

#17 Fall River

County: Bristol

1,101

Crime per 100,000 population

-43.67%

vs. Massachusetts average

-62.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Fall River from 2012 to 2022

Fall River is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 93,339. The total crime rate in Fall River is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dartmouth Police Department (MA0030400). Fall River total crime rate is 1,101 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fall River

#16 Raynham Center

County: Bristol

1,104

Crime per 100,000 population

-43.55%

vs. Massachusetts average

-62.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Raynham Center from 2012 to 2022

Raynham Center is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 5,072. The total crime rate in Raynham Center is based on the nearest law agency agency, Raynham Police Department (MA0031400). Raynham Center total crime rate is 1,104 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Raynham Center

#15 Leominster

County: Worcester

1,211

Crime per 100,000 population

-38.09%

vs. Massachusetts average

-58.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Leominster from 2012 to 2022

Leominster is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 118,190. The total crime rate in Leominster is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fitchburg Police Department (MA0141500). Leominster total crime rate is 1,211 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Leominster

#14 Fitchburg

County: Worcester

1,211

Crime per 100,000 population

-38.09%

vs. Massachusetts average

-58.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Fitchburg from 2012 to 2022

Fitchburg is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 41,796. The total crime rate in Fitchburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fitchburg Police Department (MA0141500). Fitchburg total crime rate is 1,211 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fitchburg

#13 Pittsfield

County: Berkshire

1,215

Crime per 100,000 population

-37.87%

vs. Massachusetts average

-58.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Pittsfield from 2012 to 2022

Pittsfield is an area in Berkshire, Massachusetts with population of 43,890. The total crime rate in Pittsfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pittsfield Police Department (MA0022200). Pittsfield total crime rate is 1,215 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pittsfield

#12 Attleboro

County: Bristol

1,260

Crime per 100,000 population

-35.58%

vs. Massachusetts average

-56.73%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Attleboro from 2012 to 2022

Attleboro is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 46,146. The total crime rate in Attleboro is based on the nearest law agency agency, Attleboro Police Department (MA0030200). Attleboro total crime rate is 1,260 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Attleboro

#11 Salem

County: Essex

1,318

Crime per 100,000 population

-32.61%

vs. Massachusetts average

-54.74%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Salem from 2012 to 2022

Salem is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 44,452. The total crime rate in Salem is based on the nearest law agency agency, Salem Police Department (MA0052800). Salem total crime rate is 1,318 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Salem

#10 Marlborough

County: Middlesex

1,421

Crime per 100,000 population

-27.34%

vs. Massachusetts average

-51.2%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Marlborough from 2012 to 2022

Marlborough is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 41,505. The total crime rate in Marlborough is based on the nearest law agency agency, Marlborough Police Department (MA0092800). Marlborough total crime rate is 1,421 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Marlborough

#9 East Falmouth

County: Barnstable

1,455

Crime per 100,000 population

-25.57%

vs. Massachusetts average

-50.01%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in East Falmouth from 2012 to 2022

East Falmouth is an area in Barnstable, Massachusetts with population of 6,739. The total crime rate in East Falmouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Falmouth Police Department (MA0010700). East Falmouth total crime rate is 1,455 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Falmouth

#8 Brockton

County: Plymouth

1,517

Crime per 100,000 population

-22.43%

vs. Massachusetts average

-47.9%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Brockton from 2012 to 2022

Brockton is an area in Plymouth, Massachusetts with population of 104,216. The total crime rate in Brockton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Brockton Police Department (MA0120300). Brockton total crime rate is 1,517 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Brockton

#7 Malden

County: Middlesex

1,666

Crime per 100,000 population

-14.81%

vs. Massachusetts average

-42.78%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Malden from 2012 to 2022

Malden is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 65,602. The total crime rate in Malden is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Malden total crime rate is 1,666 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Malden

#6 Everett

County: Middlesex

1,666

Crime per 100,000 population

-14.81%

vs. Massachusetts average

-42.78%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Everett from 2012 to 2022

Everett is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 48,368. The total crime rate in Everett is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Everett total crime rate is 1,666 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Everett

#5 Chelsea

County: Suffolk

1,666

Crime per 100,000 population

-14.81%

vs. Massachusetts average

-42.78%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Chelsea from 2012 to 2022

Chelsea is an area in Suffolk, Massachusetts with population of 40,025. The total crime rate in Chelsea is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Chelsea total crime rate is 1,666 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chelsea

#4 New Bedford

County: Bristol

1,785

Crime per 100,000 population

-8.72%

vs. Massachusetts average

-38.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in New Bedford from 2012 to 2022

New Bedford is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 158,353. The total crime rate in New Bedford is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Bedford Police Department (MA0031100). New Bedford total crime rate is 1,785 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in New Bedford

#3 Bliss Corner

County: Bristol

1,785

Crime per 100,000 population

-8.72%

vs. Massachusetts average

-38.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Bliss Corner from 2012 to 2022

Bliss Corner is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 5,529. The total crime rate in Bliss Corner is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Bedford Police Department (MA0031100). Bliss Corner total crime rate is 1,785 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bliss Corner

#2 Worcester

County: Worcester

2,607

Crime per 100,000 population

+33.29%

vs. Massachusetts average

-10.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Worcester from 2012 to 2022

Worcester is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 573,573. The total crime rate in Worcester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Worcester Police Department (MA0146000). Worcester total crime rate is 2,607 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Worcester

#1 Springfield

County: Hampden

3,266

Crime per 100,000 population

+67.01%

vs. Massachusetts average

+12.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Springfield from 2012 to 2022

Springfield is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 620,494. The total crime rate in Springfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Springfield Police Department (MA0071800). Springfield total crime rate is 3,266 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 1,956.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Springfield

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Massachusetts

Safety Tips for Total Crime in Massachusetts

Explore More on Crime Rates in Massachusetts

Interested in learning more about crime rates in Massachusetts? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in Massachusetts for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in Massachusetts.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

Shareable Link

Share this link with your friends and family to help them learn more about crime rates in Massachusetts.

https://crimedata.io/blog/massachusetts-most-dangerous-cities