Worcester, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Worcester, MA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 47% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 177 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 30 chance for property crime. Worcester has higher crime than 87% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Worcester has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 75% of the city's 36 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Forest Grove is one of the safest areas, while Great Brook Valley has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Worcester is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Worcester are Forest Grove, Tatnuck, Salisbury Street, West Tatnuck, and Newton Square. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Worcester include Great Brook Valley, Arts District, Beacon Brightly, Green Island, and Bell Hill. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Worcester is 566.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 49% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 177 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.5 per 100K (50% above average); aggravated assault at 416.1 per 100K (55% above average); robbery at 95.7 per 100K (29% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Worcester is 3,292.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 80% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 30 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 361.9 per 100K (34% above average); larceny/theft at 2,387.4 per 100K (70% above average); vehicle theft at 542.9 per 100K (70% above average).

Worcester's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (70% above average), while robbery is 29% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Worcester has higher crime than 87% of them.

Visitors to Worcester should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 80% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Forest Grove, Tatnuck, Salisbury Street.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Worcester's crime rate is 47% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Worcester, with an estimated rate of 2,387.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 70% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,292 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (566 per 100K) in Worcester, which is consistent with national trends.