Ranked among the top five safest states in the country, Massachusetts is known for its high quality of life for its residents. However, like any other state, there are areas that are best avoided due to high crime rates. In this article, we will be looking at the ten most dangerous cities in Massachusetts based on crime rate and quality of life.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Massachusetts
1. Holyoke
Holyoke, a city in Massachusetts located near East Mountain, has earned the title of the most dangerous city in the state. With a population of 38,238, Holyoke’s crime rate is 195% higher than the national average. The city’s total crime rate stands at 4,020 per 100,000, which means residents face a 1 in 25 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In 2021 alone, the total number of violent crimes was 367, including two murders, 63 robberies, and 285 assaults. Property crime was even higher, with 1,301 incidents reported in the same year.
2. Springfield
Located in Hampden County, Springfield has a population of 155,929 and has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities to live in Massachusetts. With a crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average, Springfield tops the list as the most perilous city in Massachusetts. Residents of Springfield have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime, with a total crime rate of 3,403 per 100,000. Robbery, assault, and burglaries are the most frequently occurring crimes in Springfield.
3. North Adams
Located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, North Adams is a town with a population of 12,961 that has unfortunately earned the label of being dangerous. With a total crime rate of 3,114 per 100,000, residents in North Adams have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. In 2021, the town recorded 138 violent crimes and 309 property crimes, with assault, burglary, and theft being the most common offenses.
4. New Bedford
New Bedford, situated along Massachusetts’ South Coast, is among the most perilous cities in the state. With a population of 102,882, the city has a total crime rate of 3,089 per 100,000, which is 129% higher than the state average. The likelihood of residents becoming victims of any crime is 1 in 33. In 2021, New Bedford witnessed four murders, 84 robberies, and 476 assaults. The city has a significant rate of property crimes, with over 1,200 theft incidents reported in the same year.
5. Chicopee
Chicopee, located in Hampden County along the Connecticut River, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts due to its high crime rate. With a population of 55,560, the total crime rate in Chicopee is 2,626 per 100,000, which is 93% higher than the state average and 12% higher than the national average. This means that residents have a 1 in 39 chance of falling victim to various crimes. Robbery, assault, and vehicle theft are the most prevalent crimes reported in Chicopee.
6. Boston
Boston is widely recognized as the cultural and economic hub of MA. However, it’s also notorious for being one of the most unsafe cities in the state. Boston boasts a population of 675,647, and while it’s relatively safe for a large city, the crime rate is heavily influenced by the neighborhood. The overall crime rate in Boston is 2,366 per 100,000 people, which is 74% higher than the state average. Shockingly, residents have a 1 in 43 chance of falling victim to crime. In 2021, there were nearly 4,000 violent crimes and over 12,000 property crimes reported in Boston. Nonetheless, taking into account the city’s population as a whole, Boston can be considered a moderately perilous city.
7. Chelsea
Located in Suffolk County, right next to Boston, Chelsea is unfortunately known for being one of the worst cities in Massachusetts when it comes to crime. With a population of 40,787, the total crime rate in Chelsea is 2,048 per 100,000 people – a staggering 50% higher than the state average. Shockingly, residents have a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. The most common crimes reported in 2021 were robbery, assault, burglary, and theft.
8. Fall River
Fall River, with a population of 94,000, is the tenth largest city in Massachusetts. However, it has a higher crime rate compared to the state average, with a total crime rate of 1,989 per 100,000 residents. This means that residents have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2021, there were a total of 853 violent crimes in Fall River, with robbery and assault being the most prevalent.
9. Webster
Located in Worcester County, Webster is a small town with a population of 17,776. Unfortunately, the total crime rate in Webster is 1,766 per 100,000 people, with residents having a 1 in 57 chance of falling victim to crime. In 2021, there were 123 violent crimes, which included six robberies and 108 assaults. Additionally, there were 40 burglaries and fourteen counts of motor vehicle theft. Although Webster may not be considered dangerous by national standards, its crime rate is still higher than the average for Massachusetts.
10. Haverhill
Haverhill, a city in Massachusetts situated along the New Hampshire border, is known for its high crime rate. With a population of 67,787, the city has a total crime rate of 1,472 per 100,000 people, which is 8% higher than the state average. Unfortunately, residents of Haverhill have a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2021 alone, the city recorded 377 violent crimes and 545 property crimes. The most common types of crimes in Haverhill include robberies, assaults, burglaries, and thefts.
Read More:
