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

Unmasking Massachusetts's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in violent 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 Malden

County: Middlesex

386

Crime per 100,000 population

+2.64%

vs. Massachusetts average

-4.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Malden from 2012 to 2022

Malden is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 65,602. The violent crime rate in Malden is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Malden violent crime rate is 386 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Malden

#24 Everett

County: Middlesex

386

Crime per 100,000 population

+2.64%

vs. Massachusetts average

-4.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Everett from 2012 to 2022

Everett is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 48,368. The violent crime rate in Everett is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Everett violent crime rate is 386 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Everett

#23 Chelsea

County: Suffolk

386

Crime per 100,000 population

+2.64%

vs. Massachusetts average

-4.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Chelsea from 2012 to 2022

Chelsea is an area in Suffolk, Massachusetts with population of 40,025. The violent crime rate in Chelsea is based on the nearest law agency agency, Everett Police Department (MA0091700). Chelsea violent crime rate is 386 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chelsea

#22 Quincy

County: Norfolk

388

Crime per 100,000 population

+3.25%

vs. Massachusetts average

-4.25%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Quincy from 2012 to 2022

Quincy is an area in Norfolk, Massachusetts with population of 100,544. The violent crime rate in Quincy is based on the nearest law agency agency, Quincy Police Department (MA0112000). Quincy violent crime rate is 388 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Quincy

#21 Taunton

County: Bristol

395

Crime per 100,000 population

+5.01%

vs. Massachusetts average

-2.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Taunton from 2012 to 2022

Taunton is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 59,076. The violent crime rate in Taunton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Taunton Police Department (MA0031900). Taunton violent crime rate is 395 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Taunton

#20 Lowell

County: Middlesex

405

Crime per 100,000 population

+7.75%

vs. Massachusetts average

-0.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lowell from 2012 to 2022

Lowell is an area in Middlesex, Massachusetts with population of 114,804. The violent crime rate in Lowell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lowell Police Department (MA0092600). Lowell violent crime rate is 405 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lowell

#19 Yarmouth Port

County: Barnstable

447

Crime per 100,000 population

+18.84%

vs. Massachusetts average

+10.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Yarmouth Port from 2012 to 2022

Yarmouth Port is an area in Barnstable, Massachusetts with population of 5,872. The violent crime rate in Yarmouth Port is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dennis Police Department (MA0010500). Yarmouth Port violent crime rate is 447 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Yarmouth Port

#18 West Yarmouth

County: Barnstable

447

Crime per 100,000 population

+18.84%

vs. Massachusetts average

+10.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in West Yarmouth from 2012 to 2022

West Yarmouth is an area in Barnstable, Massachusetts with population of 6,124. The violent crime rate in West Yarmouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dennis Police Department (MA0010500). West Yarmouth violent crime rate is 447 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in West Yarmouth

#17 South Yarmouth

County: Barnstable

447

Crime per 100,000 population

+18.84%

vs. Massachusetts average

+10.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in South Yarmouth from 2012 to 2022

South Yarmouth is an area in Barnstable, Massachusetts with population of 11,696. The violent crime rate in South Yarmouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dennis Police Department (MA0010500). South Yarmouth violent crime rate is 447 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in South Yarmouth

#16 Revere

County: Suffolk

461

Crime per 100,000 population

+22.6%

vs. Massachusetts average

+13.7%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Revere from 2012 to 2022

Revere is an area in Suffolk, Massachusetts with population of 60,720. The violent crime rate in Revere is based on the nearest law agency agency, Revere Police Department (MA0130400). Revere violent crime rate is 461 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Revere

#15 Chicopee

County: Hampden

488

Crime per 100,000 population

+29.66%

vs. Massachusetts average

+20.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Chicopee from 2012 to 2022

Chicopee is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 55,636. The violent crime rate in Chicopee is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chicopee Police Department (MA0070500). Chicopee violent crime rate is 488 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chicopee

#14 Gardner

County: Worcester

586

Crime per 100,000 population

+55.91%

vs. Massachusetts average

+44.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Gardner from 2012 to 2022

Gardner is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 21,183. The violent crime rate in Gardner is based on the nearest law agency agency, Gardner Police Department (MA0141600). Gardner violent crime rate is 586 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Gardner

#13 Haverhill

County: Essex

593

Crime per 100,000 population

+57.64%

vs. Massachusetts average

+46.2%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Haverhill from 2012 to 2022

Haverhill is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 67,093. The violent crime rate in Haverhill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Haverhill Police Department (MA0051100). Haverhill violent crime rate is 593 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Haverhill

#12 Pittsfield

County: Berkshire

647

Crime per 100,000 population

+72.05%

vs. Massachusetts average

+59.56%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Pittsfield from 2012 to 2022

Pittsfield is an area in Berkshire, Massachusetts with population of 43,890. The violent crime rate in Pittsfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pittsfield Police Department (MA0022200). Pittsfield violent crime rate is 647 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pittsfield

#11 Lynn

County: Essex

674

Crime per 100,000 population

+79.23%

vs. Massachusetts average

+66.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lynn from 2012 to 2022

Lynn is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 100,233. The violent crime rate in Lynn is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lynn Police Department (MA0051400). Lynn violent crime rate is 674 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lynn

#10 Leominster

County: Worcester

678

Crime per 100,000 population

+80.17%

vs. Massachusetts average

+67.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Leominster from 2012 to 2022

Leominster is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 118,190. The violent crime rate in Leominster is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fitchburg Police Department (MA0141500). Leominster violent crime rate is 678 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Leominster

#9 Fitchburg

County: Worcester

678

Crime per 100,000 population

+80.17%

vs. Massachusetts average

+67.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Fitchburg from 2012 to 2022

Fitchburg is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 41,796. The violent crime rate in Fitchburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fitchburg Police Department (MA0141500). Fitchburg violent crime rate is 678 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fitchburg

#8 Lawrence

County: Essex

763

Crime per 100,000 population

+102.67%

vs. Massachusetts average

+87.96%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lawrence from 2012 to 2022

Lawrence is an area in Essex, Massachusetts with population of 87,798. The violent crime rate in Lawrence is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lawrence Police Department (MA0051300). Lawrence violent crime rate is 763 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lawrence

#7 Worcester

County: Worcester

799

Crime per 100,000 population

+112.26%

vs. Massachusetts average

+96.85%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Worcester from 2012 to 2022

Worcester is an area in Worcester, Massachusetts with population of 573,573. The violent crime rate in Worcester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Worcester Police Department (MA0146000). Worcester violent crime rate is 799 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Worcester

#6 New Bedford

County: Bristol

862

Crime per 100,000 population

+128.99%

vs. Massachusetts average

+112.37%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

New Bedford is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 158,353. The violent crime rate in New Bedford is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Bedford Police Department (MA0031100). New Bedford violent crime rate is 862 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in New Bedford

#5 Bliss Corner

County: Bristol

862

Crime per 100,000 population

+128.99%

vs. Massachusetts average

+112.37%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Bliss Corner is an area in Bristol, Massachusetts with population of 5,529. The violent crime rate in Bliss Corner is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Bedford Police Department (MA0031100). Bliss Corner violent crime rate is 862 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bliss Corner

#4 Brockton

County: Plymouth

961

Crime per 100,000 population

+155.29%

vs. Massachusetts average

+136.76%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Brockton from 2012 to 2022

Brockton is an area in Plymouth, Massachusetts with population of 104,216. The violent crime rate in Brockton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Brockton Police Department (MA0120300). Brockton violent crime rate is 961 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Brockton

#3 Holyoke

County: Hampden

970

Crime per 100,000 population

+157.75%

vs. Massachusetts average

+139.04%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Holyoke from 2012 to 2022

Holyoke is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 38,480. The violent crime rate in Holyoke is based on the nearest law agency agency, Holyoke Police Department (MA0071000). Holyoke violent crime rate is 970 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Holyoke

#2 Springfield

County: Hampden

1,001

Crime per 100,000 population

+165.92%

vs. Massachusetts average

+146.62%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Springfield from 2012 to 2022

Springfield is an area in Hampden, Massachusetts with population of 620,494. The violent crime rate in Springfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Springfield Police Department (MA0071800). Springfield violent crime rate is 1,001 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Springfield

#1 Middleborough Center

County: Plymouth

1,071

Crime per 100,000 population

+184.6%

vs. Massachusetts average

+163.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Middleborough Center is an area in Plymouth, Massachusetts with population of 7,790. The violent crime rate in Middleborough Center is based on the nearest law agency agency, State Police: Dukes County (MA304SP00). Middleborough Center violent crime rate is 1,071 per 100,000 population, compared to Massachusetts average of 376.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Middleborough Center

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Massachusetts

Safety Tips for Violent 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-in-violent-crime