Editor’s note: As of July 2023, we are no longer updating the following information. However, you can still learn more about Massachusetts by reading some of our new articles.
Just like any state, Massachusetts has its share of cities where crime is a problem. We’ve considered the most recent F.B.I. crime report and Home Security Sheild’s crime data to create this list of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.
Only cities with a population greater than 5,000 were considered, and the cities are ranked in order of violent crime rate. The likelihood of becoming a victim of any crime is included, but the locations are listed in ascending order of violent crime rate. Property crime statistics are also included.
Just a note: this list isn’t meant to “name-and-shame” particular places in Massachusetts. There are so many beautiful and inspiring features and people in each of these cities. Rather, it’s better to look at this list as a roundup of places that could really benefit from a focused effort to create change.
10. Lynn (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 27)
"Lynn, Lynn, the city of sin, you'll never come out the way you went in." For a city with its own crime rhyme, Lynn actually comes out looking better than many other cities on this list. Population: 91,846. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 8.21 violent crimes, 28.19 property crimes and 36.40 total reported crimes. If both violent and property crimes were considered, Lynn would rank #19.
9. Boston (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 26)
Boston is the state's capital city and seat of commerce. As with any major metropolis, crime is an unavoidable part of urban life. Population: 630,648. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 8.35 violent crimes, 29.10 property crimes and 37.35 total reported crimes. If both property and violent crimes were considered, Boston would rank #18. Not bad for the largest city in Massachusetts.
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8. Holyoke (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 14)
If both property and violent crimes were considered, Holyoke would actually rank #1. Yikes. Holyoke experienced a slight rise (4%) in violent crime between 2011 and 2013. Population: 40,215. Annual crimes per 1,00 residents: 9.49 violent crimes, 62.32 property crimes and 71.81 total crimes reported. So maybe don’t invest in any real estate in Holyoke.
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7. Worcester (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 22)
Worcester is the second largest city in Massachusetts, but ranks ahead of Boston in violent crime. Population: 183,247. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 9.59 violent crimes, 35.10 property crimes and 44.69 total crimes reported. If both violent and property crimes were considered, Worcester would rank #8. It does, however, offer a vibrant burgeoning art scene.
6. Lawrence (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 28)
Lawrence sits right along the Merrimack River, and was the former home of poet Robert Frost. It was a major textile producer in the 18th and 19th centuries. Population: 77,661. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 10.11 violent crimes, 25.30 property crimes and 35.41 total reported crimes. If both violent and property crimes were considered, Lawrence would rank #21.
Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts, and is the headquarters of the Smith & Wesson gun company. Population: 154,518. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 10.39 violent crimes, 45.46 property crimes and 55.85 total reported crimes. If both property and violent crimes were considered, Springfield would rank #3.
4. Fall River (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 25)
Crime statistics in Fall River are actually improving. Between 2011 and 2013, the city's violent crime rate fell by a whopping 15%, and property crime rates plummeted by 35%. Population: 89,753. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 10.63 violent crimes, 30.15 property crimes and 40.78 total reported crimes. If both violent and property crimes were considered, Fall River would rank #11.
3. New Bedford (chance of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 23)
New Bedford is a city that is full of character and rich in maritime history, but it also has a reputation for crime. Population: 96,031. Annual violent crimes per 1,000 residents: 10.73 violent crimes, 33.11 property crimes and 43.84 total reported crimes. If both violent and property crimes were considered, New Bedford would rank #9. More than being one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts, New Bedford is known for its rich whaling history.
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2. Brockton (chance of being of a victim of any crime: 1 in 23)
Brockton's violent crime rates have actually dropped somewhat since the 2013 FBI report, but it is still one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. Population: 154,518. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 10.39 violent crimes, 45.46 property crimes, 55.85 total reported crimes. Brockton would actually rank #10 if both property and violent crimes were considered, so it's not all bad news.
1. Chelsea (chances of being a victim of any crime: 1 in 18)
Chelsea is located near Boston, just across the Mystic River. It's actually the smallest city in the state, and covers a mere 2.5 square miles. Population: 35,966. Annual crimes per 1,000 residents: 18.52 violent crimes, 38.29 property crimes and 56.80 total reported crimes. Chelsea would rank as #2 if both property and violent crimes were considered.
Like we mentioned, this is a list of statistically dangerous cities and towns in Massachusetts, but not necessarily a list of dangerous cities and towns in Massachusetts to avoid. Each of these towns has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike.
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Most Dangerous Cities in Massachusetts
Celina Colby|May 05, 2022
Should I avoid visiting these dangerous cities in Massachusetts?
Not necessarily! Yes, these are areas of statistically high crime rates but that doesn’t mean they should be avoided. Each and every one of these cities and towns has spectacular history, culture, and food to offer visitors. Use good judgment when planning your trip, know which areas to steer clear of and you can enjoy the many wonderful parts of these cities without fear.
