Massachusetts's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Homicide Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking Massachusetts's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in homicide 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 Fall River

County: Bristol

1.16

Crime per 100,000 population

-47.06%

vs. Massachusetts average

-78.6%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Fall River is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 93,339. The homicide crime rate in Fall River is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dartmouth Police Department (MA0030400). Fall River homicide crime rate is 1.16 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fall River

#24 Peabody

County: Essex

1.33

Crime per 100,000 population

-39.3%

vs. Massachusetts average

-75.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Peabody from 2012 to 2022

Peabody is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 54,200. The homicide crime rate in Peabody is based on the nearest law agency agency, Peabody Police Department (MA0052500). Peabody homicide crime rate is 1.33 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Peabody

#23 Cambridge

County: Middlesex

1.44

Crime per 100,000 population

-34.28%

vs. Massachusetts average

-73.44%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Cambridge from 2012 to 2022

Cambridge is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 116,892. The homicide crime rate in Cambridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cambridge Police Department (MA0091100). Cambridge homicide crime rate is 1.44 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cambridge

#22 East Falmouth

County: Barnstable

1.58

Crime per 100,000 population

-27.89%

vs. Massachusetts average

-70.85%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

East Falmouth is an area in Barnstable, Massachusetts with population of 6,739. The homicide crime rate in East Falmouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Falmouth Police Department (MA0010700). East Falmouth homicide crime rate is 1.58 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Falmouth

#21 Revere

County: Suffolk

1.67

Crime per 100,000 population

-23.78%

vs. Massachusetts average

-69.19%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Revere from 2012 to 2022

Revere is an area in Suffolk, Massachusetts with population of 60,720. The homicide crime rate in Revere is based on the nearest law agency agency, Revere Police Department (MA0130400). Revere homicide crime rate is 1.67 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Revere

#20 Taunton

County: Bristol

1.92

Crime per 100,000 population

-12.37%

vs. Massachusetts average

-64.58%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Taunton from 2012 to 2022

Taunton is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 59,076. The homicide crime rate in Taunton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Taunton Police Department (MA0031900). Taunton homicide crime rate is 1.92 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Taunton

#19 Gardner

County: Worcester

1.95

Crime per 100,000 population

-11.0%

vs. Massachusetts average

-64.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Gardner from 2012 to 2022

Gardner is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 21,183. The homicide crime rate in Gardner is based on the nearest law agency agency, Gardner Police Department (MA0141600). Gardner homicide crime rate is 1.95 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Gardner

#18 Leominster

County: Worcester

1.97

Crime per 100,000 population

-10.09%

vs. Massachusetts average

-63.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Leominster from 2012 to 2022

Leominster is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 118,190. The homicide crime rate in Leominster is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fitchburg Police Department (MA0141500). Leominster homicide crime rate is 1.97 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Leominster

#17 Fitchburg

County: Worcester

1.97

Crime per 100,000 population

-10.09%

vs. Massachusetts average

-63.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Fitchburg from 2012 to 2022

Fitchburg is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 41,796. The homicide crime rate in Fitchburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fitchburg Police Department (MA0141500). Fitchburg homicide crime rate is 1.97 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fitchburg

#16 Chicopee

County: Hampden

2.15

Crime per 100,000 population

-1.87%

vs. Massachusetts average

-60.34%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Chicopee from 2012 to 2022

Chicopee is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 55,636. The homicide crime rate in Chicopee is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chicopee Police Department (MA0070500). Chicopee homicide crime rate is 2.15 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chicopee

#15 Haverhill

County: Essex

2.21

Crime per 100,000 population

+0.87%

vs. Massachusetts average

-59.23%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Haverhill from 2012 to 2022

Haverhill is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 67,093. The homicide crime rate in Haverhill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Haverhill Police Department (MA0051100). Haverhill homicide crime rate is 2.21 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Haverhill

#14 North Adams

County: Berkshire

2.5

Crime per 100,000 population

+14.1%

vs. Massachusetts average

-53.88%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in North Adams from 2012 to 2022

North Adams is an area in Berkshire, Massachusetts with population of 13,024. The homicide crime rate in North Adams is based on the nearest law agency agency, Adams Police Department (MA0020100). North Adams homicide crime rate is 2.5 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in North Adams

#13 Lowell

County: Middlesex

2.79

Crime per 100,000 population

+27.34%

vs. Massachusetts average

-48.53%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lowell from 2012 to 2022

Lowell is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 114,804. The homicide crime rate in Lowell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lowell Police Department (MA0092600). Lowell homicide crime rate is 2.79 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lowell

#12 Malden

County: Middlesex

2.85

Crime per 100,000 population

+30.08%

vs. Massachusetts average

-47.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Malden from 2012 to 2022

Malden is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 65,602. The homicide crime rate in Malden is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Malden homicide crime rate is 2.85 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Malden

#11 Everett

County: Middlesex

2.85

Crime per 100,000 population

+30.08%

vs. Massachusetts average

-47.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Everett from 2012 to 2022

Everett is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 48,368. The homicide crime rate in Everett is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Everett homicide crime rate is 2.85 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Everett

#10 Chelsea

County: Suffolk

2.85

Crime per 100,000 population

+30.08%

vs. Massachusetts average

-47.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Chelsea from 2012 to 2022

Chelsea is an area in Suffolk, Massachusetts with population of 40,025. The homicide crime rate in Chelsea is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Chelsea homicide crime rate is 2.85 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chelsea

#9 Pittsfield

County: Berkshire

4.22

Crime per 100,000 population

+92.61%

vs. Massachusetts average

-22.15%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Pittsfield from 2012 to 2022

Pittsfield is an area in Berkshire, Massachusetts with population of 43,890. The homicide crime rate in Pittsfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pittsfield Police Department (MA0022200). Pittsfield homicide crime rate is 4.22 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pittsfield

#8 Worcester

County: Worcester

4.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+93.06%

vs. Massachusetts average

-21.97%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Worcester from 2012 to 2022

Worcester is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 573,573. The homicide crime rate in Worcester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Worcester Police Department (MA0146000). Worcester homicide crime rate is 4.23 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Worcester

#7 New Bedford

County: Bristol

4.31

Crime per 100,000 population

+96.71%

vs. Massachusetts average

-20.49%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

New Bedford is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 158,353. The homicide crime rate in New Bedford is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Bedford Police Department (MA0031100). New Bedford homicide crime rate is 4.31 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in New Bedford

#6 Bliss Corner

County: Bristol

4.31

Crime per 100,000 population

+96.71%

vs. Massachusetts average

-20.49%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Bliss Corner is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 5,529. The homicide crime rate in Bliss Corner is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Bedford Police Department (MA0031100). Bliss Corner homicide crime rate is 4.31 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bliss Corner

#5 Lynn

County: Essex

4.82

Crime per 100,000 population

+119.99%

vs. Massachusetts average

-11.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lynn from 2012 to 2022

Lynn is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 100,233. The homicide crime rate in Lynn is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lynn Police Department (MA0051400). Lynn homicide crime rate is 4.82 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lynn

#4 Lawrence

County: Essex

6.13

Crime per 100,000 population

+179.78%

vs. Massachusetts average

+13.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lawrence from 2012 to 2022

Lawrence is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 87,798. The homicide crime rate in Lawrence is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lawrence Police Department (MA0051300). Lawrence homicide crime rate is 6.13 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lawrence

#3 Holyoke

County: Hampden

7.46

Crime per 100,000 population

+240.48%

vs. Massachusetts average

+37.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Holyoke from 2012 to 2022

Holyoke is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 38,480. The homicide crime rate in Holyoke is based on the nearest law agency agency, Holyoke Police Department (MA0071000). Holyoke homicide crime rate is 7.46 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Holyoke

#2 Brockton

County: Plymouth

7.51

Crime per 100,000 population

+242.77%

vs. Massachusetts average

+38.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Brockton from 2012 to 2022

Brockton is an area in Plymouth, Massachusetts with population of 104,216. The homicide crime rate in Brockton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Brockton Police Department (MA0120300). Brockton homicide crime rate is 7.51 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Brockton

#1 Springfield

County: Hampden

10.71

Crime per 100,000 population

+388.82%

vs. Massachusetts average

+97.57%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Springfield from 2012 to 2022

Springfield is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 620,494. The homicide crime rate in Springfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Springfield Police Department (MA0071800). Springfield homicide crime rate is 10.71 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 2.19 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Springfield

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Massachusetts

Safety Tips for Homicide 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.

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