Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities, but it's essential to consider safety when choosing a place to live or visit. In this updated list of the 10 most dangerous places in Massachusetts, we analyze recent crime statistics to provide insights into safety conditions. Please note that crime rates may have changed since our last update in September 2021.
1. Chelsea
Chelsea, MA
Per capita, Chelsea continues to report the most violent crimes in the state, ranking first in this category. It also ranks second for total crimes overall. Chelsea had the fourth-highest number of property crimes per person and the fourth highest number of murders per person. Residents here face a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim of a crime.
2. Springfield
Springfield, MA
In 2012, Springfield reported the second-highest number of murders and property crimes per person. Property crimes, including thefts, burglaries, and vehicle thefts, were prevalent. Springfield had the third-highest number of crimes per person overall, giving residents a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim of a crime.
3. Brockton
Brockton, MA
Brockton ranks high on our list due to its significant number of violent crimes. In 2012, it reported the second-highest number of violent crimes per person in the state. This included assaults, robberies, 48 rapes, and six murders. With nearly 100,000 residents and six murders, Brockton had the fourth-highest number of murders per person in Massachusetts.
4. Worcester
Worcester, MA
In 2012, Worcester reported a total of 8,190 crimes. With a population of over 183,000 people, this translates to approximately 0.04 crimes per person. Worcester also had the fifth-highest number of property crimes and the seventh-highest number of violent crimes per person.
5. New Bedford
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, located in Bristol County, had the third-highest number of violent crimes per person in the state in 2012. Additionally, it had a high number of both property crimes and total crimes per person.
6. Boston
Boston, MA
Among the places we assessed, Boston had the highest number of murders per capita in 2012. With a total of 57 murders and a population of just over 630,600 people, this translates to approximately nine murders per every 100,000 people, or 0.00009 per person. While this number may seem small, it exceeds that of any other location in the state.
7. Holyoke
Holyoke, MA
Holyoke is notable for having the highest number of property crimes per person in the state in 2012. Residents faced approximately 0.062 property crimes for each person that year, much higher than the state average. Due to its high number of property crimes, Holyoke also reported the highest number of total crimes per capita, resulting in residents having a 1 in 14 chance of being a crime victim.
8. Fall River
Fall River, MA
Fall River, located in Bristol County, had a high number of violent crimes, ranking fourth in violent crimes per person in 2012. These violent crimes included assaults, 262 robberies, 52 rapes, and two murders. Additionally, Fall River had the 10th highest number of property crimes, leading to the eighth-highest total number of crimes per capita.
9. North Adams
North Adams, MA
While North Adams reported no murders in 2012, it had the third-highest number of property crimes per person and the fourth highest total crimes per capita in the state.
10. Lawrence
Lawrence, MA
Lawrence, located in Essex County, had some of the highest violent crime rates in the state in 2012, ranking sixth per capita. It also reported the 10th highest number of murders per person. Despite these challenges, Lawrence ranked 13th for total crimes per capita, giving residents a 1 in 28 chance of being a victim.