Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you live in Massachusetts? If so, be careful – it’s one of the most dangerous states in the country! According to recent data, there are several cities in Massachusetts that rank among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the United States. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these cities and explore why they are so dangerous. Stay safe out there!
1. Adams
Population: ~8,492
Adams is a small city located in the northern part of Massachusetts with a crime rate that is well above the national average.
It has seen an increase in violent crimes such as assault, rape, and murder in recent years, making it one of the most dangerous cities to live in Massachusetts.
The city also experiences high rates of property crime, including larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
In addition to the crime rate, Adams has a high rate of poverty and unemployment, making it difficult for many people to get out of difficult situations.
2. Boston
- Population: 694,583
- Crime rate: 2,988 per 100,000 people
Boston is the largest and most populated city in Massachusetts. It’s also one of the most dangerous cities in the state due to its high crime rate.
The city has seen a recent increase in violent crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary.
Many of these crimes are attributed to gangs that have been operating in the area for years. The city has implemented several new initiatives and programs to reduce crime, including an increased police presence, better community outreach and education, and increased funding for social services that address the underlying causes of crime.
Despite these efforts, however, Boston remains one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.
3. Worcester
Population: 181,045
Worcester, located in central Massachusetts, is the state’s second-largest city. It has one of the highest crime rates in the state and is among the top 10 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts according to FBI statistics.
The violent crime rate for Worcester is 1,588 per 100,000 people. Property crime rates are also significantly high, at 7,607 per 100,000 people.
In 2019, there were 250 reported violent crimes and 1771 property crimes in the city. The most common types of violent crime reported were assaults and robberies. Property crimes included burglary and motor vehicle theft.
4. Brockton
Population: 95,922
Brockton is located in Plymouth County and is known for its high crime rates. For a city of its size, it has the highest rate of violent crime in Massachusetts.
The most common crimes reported are robberies, murders, burglaries, and simple assaults. In recent years there has been an uptick in gang activity within Brockton which has contributed to the increase in violent crime.
In order to stay safe, it is advised that residents avoid areas known for drug and gang activity, follow good safety practices when walking around (like being aware of their surroundings) and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
5. Chelsea
Population: 39,214
Chelsea is a city located in Massachusetts and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the state. It has a crime rate of 24 per 1,000 inhabitants and an overall safety score of 17 out of 100. Violent crimes such as assault, murder, rape, and robbery are rampant here.
In addition to that, property crimes like burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft are also quite common in the area.
The city is known for its high levels of drug use and gang activity, making it a dangerous place to live or visit. Housing is also scarce in Chelsea, leading to overcrowding and poverty.
6. Chicopee
Population: 56,298
Chicopee is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Despite its small size, it is considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts due to its high crime rate.
According to FBI statistics from 2018, Chicopee has a violent crime rate that is more than double the nationwide average.
This includes a high rate of aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide. Other issues plaguing Chicopee include gangs and drug trafficking.
The city has taken steps to make the streets safer by launching programs such as the Safe Streets Initiative, which works with community members and local law enforcement to reduce crime in the area.
7. Edgartown
- Population: 4,067
- Violent Crime Rate: 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Edgartown is an affluent town located in Dukes County on Martha’s Vineyard island. With a total crime rate of 669 per 100,000 people, it can be considered one of the more dangerous cities in Massachusetts.
While property crime rates are lower than the state average, violent crime rates are higher. With 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people (including 6 aggravated assaults and 1 rape), Edgartown has a much higher rate than the Massachusetts average of 246 per 100,000 people.
8. Fall River
- Population: 89,077
- Crime Score: 5.9/10
Located in Bristol County, Fall River has one of the highest crime rates in Massachusetts. With a population of just under 90,000 people living there, it stands out as the largest city in the state with such a high rate of criminal activity.
In 2019 alone, there were 6 homicides, 16 rapes, 111 robberies, and over 400 aggravated assaults reported in Fall River.
Violent crimes such as these make up a large portion of the criminal activity that takes place in the city. Property crimes are also abundant with over 2200 burglaries and 6500 larceny thefts being reported in 2019.
9. Hadley
- Population: 5,250
- Crime Rate: High
Hadley is located in Hampshire County and is one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. Hadley has a higher crime rate than the rest of the state with reported offenses like homicide, robbery, and assault becoming more common.
The violent crime rate here is 1.53 times greater than the average across Massachusetts and other nearby cities. Residents are advised to take extra security measures and remain vigilant while moving around in the city.
10. Haverhill
Population: 63,399
Haverhill is one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. It has a violent crime rate of 831 per 100,000 people—more than four times the national average.
Property crimes are also high in Haverhill with 4,054 reported incidents for every 100,000 people. In particular, motor vehicle theft has been a significant problem in this city, with 1,211 reported cases per 100,000 people annually.
The city has seen a significant increase in violent and property crime rates over the past few years, which is why it’s considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.
11. Holyoke
- Population: 40,243
- Reported Crime in 2019: 1,267
- Crime rate per 100k people: 3,160
Holyoke has been named one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. In 2019, Holyoke reported a total of 1,267 crimes with a crime rate of 3,160 per 100k people. The city is located in Hampden County and has a population of about 40,243 people.
While the crime rate is high compared to other cities in Massachusetts, Holyoke is taking an active role in reducing crime by investing in programs that promote public safety and providing resources for at-risk youth.
13. Hull
Population: 10,293
Hull is located on the southeastern coast of Massachusetts and has the unfortunate distinction of being considered one of the most dangerous cities in MA.
According to a 2018 report, Hull had a violent crime rate that was nearly five times higher than the state average. Additionally, property crimes were more than double the national rate for similar sized cities.
14. Lawrence
- Population: 81,208
- Violent Crime Rate: 261 per 100,000 people
Lawrence is a city located in the northeastern region of Massachusetts. It has consistently been labeled as one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts due to its high violent crime rate.
In recent years, drug-related crimes have become increasingly common in Lawrence and it is now considered to be a major hub of drug trafficking activity in the state.
The city also has a high rate of poverty and unemployment and lacks adequate housing, education and health services which contribute to its high crime rates.
15. Lynn
- Population: 92,457
- Crime Rate: 5/1,000
Lynn is the fifth most populous city in Massachusetts and one of the most dangerous cities in the state. It has an overall crime rate of 5 per 1,000 residents which makes it one of the riskiest places to live in Massachusetts.
Violent crimes such as armed robbery and aggravated assault are common in Lynn, and property crime such as burglary and theft is also major issue.
The city has taken several steps to reduce crime levels including increasing police presence and offering public safety programs.
16. Montague
Population: 8,493
Montague, situated in Franklin County, is one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. In 2019, there were a total of 683 reported violent crimes in Montague with a crime rate of 8,015 per 100,000 people.
This was more than double the state average for this type of crime and made it one of the highest crime areas in the state. The most common type of violent crime was aggravated assault with a rate of 5,218 per 100,000 people.
Property crimes were also high with a total of 4,404 reported incidents and a crime rate of 51,513 per 100,000 people in 2019.
Burglary accounted for the highest number of property crimes in Montague with a rate of 16,359 per 100,000 people. The city also had a higher-than-average number of motor vehicle thefts with a rate of 805 per 100,000 people.
17. New Bedford
Population: 95,000
New Bedford is a large city in Massachusetts located on the southern coast of the state. It has seen a steady increase in its crime rate over the years, with reported incidents of violent crimes such as murder and robbery reaching record highs in recent years.
18. North Adams
Population: 12,000
North Adams is located in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts and is home to a struggling economy with high rates of substance abuse and violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, North Adams has one of the highest rates of violent crimes per capita in the state.
19. Oak Bluffs
Population: 4,527
Oak Bluffs has become one of the more dangerous cities in Massachusetts recently. In 2019 alone, there were over 645 reported incidents of violent crime, with 83 of those cases involving aggravated assault. The overall crime rate is nearly double the state average and continues to be on the rise.
20. Pittsfield
Population: 43,737
Pittsfield is a city located in western Massachusetts with a population of 43,737. It has one of the highest crime rates in the state and has consistently been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.
In 2020, there were over 1,100 reported violent crimes and nearly 3000 property crimes committed within the city.
The violent crime rate in Pittsfield is over two times higher than the average for cities across the United States, and the property crime rate is nearly four times higher than the national average.
21. Provincetown
Population: 2,965
Provincetown is a small coastal town in Massachusetts located at the far tip of Cape Cod. Although beautiful and tranquil on its surface, Provincetown has experienced higher than average crime rates in recent years.
In 2018, thefts were recorded as the most common type of crime (accounting for 37% of incidents), followed by drugs (14%), assaults (13%), and vandalism (7%).
The risk of being a victim of crime here is 1 in 22, making Provincetown one of the more dangerous cities in Massachusetts. It is advised that visitors take extra safety precautions when exploring this area.
22. Southbridge
Population: 16,458
The city of Southbridge has been named one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. It has a high violent crime rate and an even higher property crime rate.
The police department is stretched thin and unable to effectively patrol the area. This lack of law enforcement combined with a large transient population makes Southbridge particularly vulnerable to crime.
23. Springfield
Population: 153,060
Crime Rate: Springfield is one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. With a crime rate of 86 per 1,000 residents, it has the sixth highest rate in the state.
Violent crimes are particularly high, with 881 incidents for every 100,000 people living in the city.
Property-related offenses have also seen a recent spike, with more than 4,400 reported in 2018. Residents have cited gang activity as a major contributor to the city’s rising crime rate.
24. Tisbury
- Population: 2,820
- Crime rate: High
Tisbury is a town located on Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts. Although it’s known as one of the most beautiful places in the state, it has its fair share of crime.
Violent crimes like assault and robbery are relatively uncommon but property crimes like burglary and theft are more frequent.
25. Ware
Population: 900
Ware, Massachusetts is located in Hampshire County and has a population of just 900 people. Despite its small size, however, Ware has become notorious for its high crime rates.
In 2019, the city was named one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts by SafeHome.org, with an overall safety score of just 14 out of 100.
26. Webster
- Population: 16,878
- Violent Crime Rate Per 100k: 1,926
- Property Crime Rate Per 100k: 8,109
Webster is one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. Its violent crime rate per 100K people stands at 1,926 and its property crime rate per 100K people is 8,109.
Even though the city has a relatively small population of 16,878, it experiences one of the highest crime rates in Massachusetts. The town is known for its high rate of drug-related crimes and gang activity.
27. West Springfield
Population: 28,391
West Springfield is located in the western part of the state of Massachusetts and is a dangerous city. The crime rate in West Springfield has been steadily increasing over the last few years, with violent crimes like assault, robbery, and burglary rising.
The local police department has stepped up their efforts to address these issues by increasing patrols and taking proactive steps to help reduce crime in the city.
28. West Tisbury
Population: 2,146
West Tisbury is a small town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts. Despite its small size, it has a high crime rate and can be dangerous in certain areas.
The major crimes that occur in this area are theft and vandalism, as well as some violent incidents.
29. Worcester
Population: 182,541 (2018)
Worcester is the second-largest city in Massachusetts and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
According to a 2019 survey by Law Street Media, Worcester ranks as the 11th most dangerous city in America with a violent crime rate of 1,743 per 100,000 people. Property crime is also high in the city, with an estimated rate of 6,872 per 100,000 people.
The Worcester Police Department works diligently to protect against violent and property crimes by reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity. Despite their efforts, crime remains persistent in this city.
Related:
- The 34 Most Dangerous Cities in New Jersey
- 24 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York City
- The 19 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois
- The 20 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
- The 69 Most Dangerous Cities in the US
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many cities in Massachusetts that are considered dangerous. These include Boston, Brockton, Lawrence, Springfield and Worcester.
While the cities on this list have higher crime rates than other municipalities in the state, it is important to remember that crime can happen anywhere and taking appropriate precautions can help to reduce one’s risk of becoming a victim.
Massachusetts has a wide range of cities and towns, and it is important to research any area you are considering visiting or moving to in order to make an informed decision about your safety.
