The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts For 2022

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Massachusetts For 2022

For the third year running, Holyoke takes the top spot on our list of Massachusetts' most dangerous cities. Situated just north of Springfield, between the Connecticut River and the Mount Tom Range, Holyoke seems to be in a nice area.

But don't let that fool you because the total crime rate in Holyoke is three times higher than the statewide average.

Folks in Holyoke had a 1 in 32 chance of being the victim of a property crime in 2020, so keeping your doors locked and your eye on your valuables is paramount here.

On top of that, Holyoake averaged just under one violent crime per day, with the 49th highest rate of rape cases and second highest murder rate in Massachusetts.

Springfield is home to both America's largest handgun producer, Smith & Wesson, and beloved children's book author and illustrator Dr. Seuss.

Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson side of Springfield shines brighter, considering the city had the highest violent crime rate in Massachusetts. Springfield had the sixth highest murder rate statewide, reporting 18 murders in 2020.

Overall, Springfield residents had a 1 in 103 chance of being the victim of a violent crime over the year, so nobody will blame you for being a bit guarded here.

You'll also want to lock your doors in Massachusetts' 3rd biggest city because Springfield also had the fifth highest burglary rate in the state.

North Adams is a city of 12,620 in Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. Known as a center for tourism, culture, and recreation, North Adams is also starting to be recognized as quite a dangerous place.

For example, North Adams had the second highest burglary rate in the state, recording 69 break-ins in 2020. We can only pray they have enough security at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the largest museum of its class in the country.

While violent crime as a whole is relatively low in North Adams, the city did have the unfortunate distinction of having the 16th highest rate of rape cases in the state.

Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth" for its central-Massachusetts location, Worcester is the second biggest city in New England and the state's fourth most dangerous city.

Worcester had about one murder per month in 2020, giving it the 15th highest murder rate statewide. And that represents just a small portion of the 1,169 violent crimes reported over the year.

On top of that, Worcester averaged about ten property crimes per day in 2020, so you'll want to double-check your pockets and purses after a day out at Green Hill Park.

Located some 20 miles north of Springfield, Hadley is Massachusetts' fifth most dangerous place.

Hadley is a town of 5,352, making it the smallest spot on this list. But if you thought small towns were automatically safer, think again.

Hadley had the 59th highest rate of rape cases in the state, accounting for 25% of all violent crimes committed over the year.

Add to that the third highest property crime rate in Mass, and you've got a recipe for a busy workload for the Hadley Police Department.

Situated about 25 miles south of Boston, Brockton comes in as the sixth most dangerous place to call home in Massachusetts.

Brockton had the fifth highest violent crime rate in the state, recording 752 such crimes over 2020.

While property crime in Brockton didn't rank in the top ten this year, the city still had a high rate of car thefts, reporting 384 cars stolen over the year. All the more reason to lock your car in secluded areas, like when you're going for a walk at Ames Nowell State Park.

Boston is a large city, located along the ocean, on the far eastern edge of Massachusetts. You may have heard of it. Along with its size, Beantown also represents one of the oldest major metropolitan areas in the country, filled with plenty of high-profile cultural and historical monuments. If you're into U.S. history, start planning your trip to Boston.

But, if you visit, come with open eyes. Yes, this is a thriving city. But, as such, you'll have to contend with a high crime rate. In fact, Boston represents the number 7 most dangerous spot in Massachusetts. The disturbing crime statistics include 58 murders and 184 sexual assaults.

Located across the Connecticut River from Springfield, West Springfield ranks as the eighth most dangerous city in Massachusetts.

While the violent crime rate in West Springfield doesn't hold a candle to Springfield, property crime is nearly as bad here. In fact, with the second highest property crime rate, West Springfield's overall crime rate ranks as the second highest in Massachusetts.

That includes 726 larceny cases and 73 car thefts, or just about one per week. Someone needs to stage a production of "Crime and Punishment" at the Majestic Theater, so the city can begin its path to redemption.

Pittsfield is the largest city and county seat of Berkshire County and the ninth most dangerous place in Mass.

Pittsfield had about five burglaries per week in 2020, giving the city of 41,865 the highest burglary rate in the state. We just hope nobody tries to pull a heist on the local Berkshire Museum.

Violent crime in Pittsfield is an even bigger problem. Throughout 2020, residents had a 1 in 122 shot of being robbed, raped, assaulted, or murdered.

Located smack dab in the middle of Holyoke and Springfield, Chicopee location doesn't do it any favors, vis a vis crime. When it comes to violent crime, Chicopee isn't nearly as bad as the cities it borders, but the property crime rate is almost as high.

Chicopee had 851 larceny cases in 2020, so it's good practice to make sure you still have all your valuables after a picnic at Chicopee Memorial State Park.

And while violent crime isn't as bad as some other cities you'll see here, Chicopee still averaged just about one violent crime per day in 2020.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Massachusetts FAQs

Is Massachusetts a dangerous state?

No, Massachusetts is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #9 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in massachusetts ranks 32nd highest in the United States -- 20.37% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Bay State ranks 50th highest in the United States -- 46.22% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.

Is Boston, MA a dangerous city?

No, Boston is not a dangerous city. Boston ranks as the #124 safest out of 320 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Boston might be considered safe you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, West Roxbury is the safest in Boston, while Central is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Boston ranks 108th highest in America -- 13.75% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 229th highest in the United States -- 29.72% better than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is 'dangerous'. Despite the uptick in murders, it's nothing like you'd see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.