Crime Safety Grade

C+

Worcester, MA Crime Rate

Higher crime than 71% of U.S. cities

Safety varies across 36+ neighborhoods — see the safest areas below

View Crime Map Registered Offenders

Is Worcester Safe?

With an overall crime index of 128, Worcester has a 28% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 200. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Forest Grove earning an A grade while Great Brook Valley rates D+.

Crime Index Comparison

Worcester
128
Massachusetts Avg
83
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
128
28% above average
Violent Crime
125
25% above average
Property Crime
137
37% above average
Safe Areas
75%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Worcester

1 in 200

Property crime: 1 in 182

Where Is It Safe in Worcester?

Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address

Worcester Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 47% above avg
Lowest Risk
Robbery · 8% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 129 ▲ 29%
Assault Violent 139 ▲ 39%
Robbery Violent 108 ▲ 8%
Burglary Property 117 ▲ 17%
Larceny / Theft Property 147 ▲ 47%
Vehicle Theft Property 147 ▲ 47%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Worcester Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Forest Grove A 56
2 Tatnuck A 63
3 Salisbury Street A 79
4 West Tatnuck A 48
5 Newton Square A 91
6 College Hill A 74
7 Indian Hill A 48
8 Biotech Park Area A 161
9 Hadwen Park A- 100
10 Burncoat A- 106
11 Greendale A- 118
12 Hamilton A- 104
13 Grafton Hill A- 106
14 Broadmeadow Brook A- 102
15 Webster Square B+ 115
16 Cider Mill B+ 118
17 Brittan Square B+ 125
18 Lake Park B+ 126
19 North Lincoln Street B 127
20 Indian Lake East B 137
21 Franklin Plantation B 138
22 Quinsigamond Village B 154
23 Elm Park B- 137
24 Vernon Hill B- 172
25 Booth Apartments Area B- 154
26 Columbus Park B- 137
27 South Worcester B- 143
28 Shrewsbury Street C+ 181
29 Union Hill C+ 155
30 University Park C 153
31 Downtown Worcester C 179
32 Bell Hill C- 175
33 Green Island C- 186
34 Beacon Brightly C- 174
35 Arts District D+ 192
36 Great Brook Valley D+ 191

Worcester Crime by Zip Code

01602
A- Index: 88
01606
A- Index: 111
01604
B+ Index: 127
01609
B+ Index: 113
01605
B Index: 136
01603
B Index: 133
01607
B Index: 144
01610
B- Index: 144
01608
D+ Index: 188

Worcester Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
516,483
Median Income
$51,647
Home Value
$241,547
Median Rent
$1,115
Home Ownership
42%

Racial Demographics

White
58.9%
Black
16.8%
Hispanic
24.1%
Asian
7.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Worcester?
Worcester has an overall crime index of 128, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 75% of neighborhoods in Worcester are rated A or B for safety.
Is Worcester safe to live in?
Worcester has a crime safety grade of C+. Higher than average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Worcester?
The safest neighborhoods in Worcester based on crime data include Forest Grove, Tatnuck, Salisbury Street, West Tatnuck, and Newton Square. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Worcester crime compare to the national average?
Worcester's overall crime index is 128 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 28% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Worcester, MA Leominster, MA Newton, MA Framingham, MA Waltham, MA Woonsocket, RI Fitchburg, MA Marlborough, MA Shrewsbury, MA Natick, MA Cumberland, RI Franklin, MA Needham, MA Milford, MA Wellesley, MA Walpole, MA Westford, MA Acton, MA Lincoln, RI Smithfield, RI Gardner, MA Hudson, MA Sudbury, MA Holden, MA

Crime Statistics by State

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