Massachusetts, known as the Bay State, remains one of the safest states in the U.S., with crime rates well below national averages. While urban centers face challenges, consistent statewide declines in crime and strong community initiatives highlight Massachusetts as a leader in public safety and reform. You can review the top 10 safest cities in Massachusetts or check out the crime rates for all 50 states.

Statewide Overview (2023 UCR Data)

  • Violent crime rate: Approximately 309 per 100,000 residents (below the national average of 374)
  • Breakdown of violent crimes: 59% aggravated assault, 23% robbery, 15% rape, 3% murder
  • Property crime rate: Approximately 1,270 per 100,000 (compared to the U.S. average of 1,954)
  • Ranking: Massachusetts ranks 17th-lowest for violent crime and well below average for property crime

10-Year Trends (2013–2023)

  • Violent crime decreased by about 28% over the past decade
  • Property crime dropped by nearly 40%, reflecting national declines
  • Homicide levels remain relatively low statewide, though Boston experienced fluctuations year to year

In 2023:

  • Aggravated assaults fell modestly statewide, while robberies saw a notable decrease
  • Homicides remained relatively stable, with slight year-over-year changes
  • Property crimes continued their downward trend, particularly in suburban communities

City-by-City Breakdown

Highest Crime Cities (2023)

  • Boston: The largest city reported the highest total number of violent crimes, including approximately 50 homicides in 2023
  • Springfield: Continues to experience elevated rates of both violent and property crime compared to other Massachusetts cities
  • Worcester, Brockton, and New Bedford: Also reported above-average violent crime, reflecting challenges in older industrial hubs

Safest Cities and Towns

  • Newton: One of the safest cities in the state, with violent crime rates well below 50 per 100,000 residents
  • Lexington, Weston, and Dover: Consistently among the lowest in both violent and property crime
  • Other low-crime towns: Acton, Concord, and Wellesley, reflecting strong community investment and effective local policing

Notable Trends in 2024

  • Boston: Reported an overall drop in violent crime, driven by decreases in robberies and aggravated assaults.
  • Springfield: Saw modest reductions in property crimes but continues to focus on violence prevention programs.
  • Worcester and Brockton: Both cities reported improvements in community engagement programs aimed at youth and at-risk groups.

Spotlight on Major Cities

Boston

While Boston remains Massachusetts’ most crime-affected city, it has achieved year-over-year reductions in robberies and property crimes. Law enforcement continues to invest in community outreach, gun violence prevention, and technology-driven policing.

Springfield

Springfield struggles with higher-than-average violent crime rates but has seen gains in targeted policing and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Worcester

Worcester’s community policing programs and partnerships with local organizations are credited with contributing to modest declines in crime in 2024.

Urban vs. Suburban Safety

Massachusetts presents a familiar pattern:

  • Urban centers like Boston, Springfield, and Brockton experience higher violent crime rates due to population density, socioeconomic disparities, and legacy urban challenges.
  • Suburban and affluent towns such as Newton, Weston, and Lexington maintain low crime levels thanks to economic stability, robust community-police partnerships, and proactive safety programs.

State vs. National Comparison

  • Massachusetts’ violent crime rate (309/100k) is significantly lower than the national average (374/100k).
  • Property crime remains among the lowest in the country.
  • The state continues to outperform many comparably populated states in overall safety metrics.

Crime Prevention & Community Strategy

Massachusetts attributes its success to a multi-pronged approach:

  • Community policing initiatives: Local programs in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield focus on building trust between law enforcement and residents.
  • Investment in youth programs: Many cities have expanded after-school and mentorship programs to reduce at-risk behavior.
  • Technology integration: Increased use of data-driven policing, surveillance tools, and public safety analytics.
  • Collaboration with advocacy groups: To address root causes of violence, including poverty and housing instability.

What to Watch in 2025/2026

  • Continued investment in Boston’s violence prevention programs
  • Ongoing reductions in property crimes in Worcester and Springfield
  • Monitoring how statewide community-based initiatives affect long-term violent crime trends

Massachusetts Home Security Companies

When it comes to protecting your home and family, home security systems work. A lot of things are outside of your control, but there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of crime happening to you. Several home security companies offer home security services in Massachusetts. Here’s our top-reviewed home security companies for the state:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Massachusetts a safe state?
Yes. Massachusetts ranks well below the national average for both violent and property crime, making it one of the safest states in the U.S.

Which cities have the most crime?
Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Brockton, and New Bedford experience the highest crime rates in the state.

Which towns are the safest?
Newton, Lexington, Weston, Dover, and Wellesley consistently rank among the safest places to live in Massachusetts.

Has crime been declining?
Yes. Both violent and property crime have declined over the last decade, with most major cities showing improvement.

What is being done to improve safety?
Massachusetts invests in community policing, youth engagement programs, technology-driven enforcement, and collaborative efforts with community groups to address systemic challenges.

Final Thoughts On Massachusetts Crime Rates

Massachusetts continues to be one of the safest states in the country, thanks to strong community initiatives, effective law enforcement strategies, and ongoing investments in public safety.

Likely, urban centers will still face challenges; overall trends point toward progress. Suburban communities, meanwhile, maintain some of the lowest crime rates in the nation, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering secure, thriving neighborhoods.

New England Crime Rates

Check out other state crime rates in the New England area.