The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts


The most dangerous places in Massachusetts are Holyoke and North Adams for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Massachusetts research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 253 Massachusetts cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Massachusetts is Holyoke based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Massachusetts is 959 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Massachusetts is 3,718 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Massachusetts is Boxford.

  • Massachusetts is the 42nd most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


The most dangerous things in Massachusetts are not Harvard graduates or Celtics fans.

Massachusetts has some pretty dangerous places.

So, we created a list of the most dangerous places in Massachusetts using Saturday Night Science. We analyzed the FBI crime data for 253 cities with over 5,000 residents. Specifically, we ranked these cities based on their violent and property crime rates per capita.

While this report focuses on places in Massachusetts, we should note Massachusetts is one of the most most dangerous states in the Northeast and Springfield is one of the most dangerous cities in the country.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts For 2024

  1. Holyoke
  2. North Adams
  3. Springfield
  4. Chelsea
  5. Brockton
  6. West Springfield
  7. Boston
  8. Pittsfield
  9. Chicopee
  10. Hadley

Most of Massachusetts’ most dangerous places surround the state’s biggest cities. However, the state’s most dangerous city is one of the least populated.

Where is the most dangerous place in Massachusetts? The most dangerous place in Massachusetts is Holyoke.

If you want to know the location of the rest of Massachusetts’ most dangerous cities, look below.

For more Massachusetts reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Massachusetts For 2024

Holyoke, MA

Source: Wikipedia User John Phelan | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 37,945
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 959 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,718 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 6
More on Holyoke: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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 26 chance of being the victim of a property crime in 2022, 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 97th highest rate of rape cases and highest murder rate in Massachusetts.

North Adams, MA

Source: Wikipedia User Beyond My Ken | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 12,836
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,004 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,391 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on North Adams: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

North Adams is a city of 12,836 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 sixth highest burglary rate in the state, recording 50 break-ins in 2022. 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 48th highest rate of rape cases in the state.

Springfield, MA

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 155,046
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 862 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,369 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 14
More on Springfield: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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 fourth highest violent crime rate in Massachusetts. Springfield had the fourth highest murder rate statewide, reporting 14 murders in 2022.

Overall, Springfield residents had a 1 in 116 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’ 4th biggest city because Springfield also had the eighth highest burglary rate in the state.

Chelsea, MA

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 37,590
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 803 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,803 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Chelsea: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Chelsea, ranked as the fourth most dangerous place to live in Massachusetts, faces significant safety concerns. With a population of 37,590, this city in Suffolk County has recorded 302 violent crimes, including 0 murders, 26 rapes, 60 robberies, and 216 aggravated assaults. The crime rate in Chelsea is alarming, especially considering its small size.

Located across the Mystic River from Boston, Chelsea has endured various challenges throughout its history. Rapid urbanization and the construction of the elevated Northeast Expressway in the 1950s led to the loss of numerous homes and local businesses, causing out-migration. Additionally, Chelsea suffered devastating fires in 1908 and 1973, significantly damaging the city’s infrastructure and economy. By 1990, Chelsea had experienced a collapse both economically and socially.

Brockton, MA

Source: Wikipedia User John Phelan | CC BY 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 110,084
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 646 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,729 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 8
More on Brockton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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

Brockton had the 11th highest violent crime rate in the state, recording 712 such crimes over 2022.

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 494 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.

6. West Springfield

West Springfield Location In Massachusetts

West Springfield, MA

Source: Wikipedia User John Phelan | CC BY 3.0

Population: 28,655
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 492 (22nd most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,531 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on West Springfield:

Located across the Connecticut River from Springfield, West Springfield ranks as the sixth 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 782 larceny cases and 75 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.

Boston, MA

Source: Flickr User Bert Kaufmann | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 638,925
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 619 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,802 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 44
More on Boston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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 44 murders and 176 sexual assaults.

Pittsfield, MA

Source: Wikipedia User Protophobic | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 43,496
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 749 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,593 (20th most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Pittsfield: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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

Pittsfield had about five burglaries per week in 2022, giving the city of 43,496 the third 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 2022, residents had a 1 in 133 shot of being robbed, raped, assaulted, or murdered.

Chicopee, MA

Source: Wikipedia User Jerry Rodgers | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 55,265
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 544 (20th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,867 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Chicopee: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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 804 larceny cases in 2022, 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 2022.

10. Hadley

Hadley, MA

Source: Wikipedia User John Phelan | CC BY 3.0

Population: 5,244
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 438 (27th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,508 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Hadley:

Located some 20 miles north of Springfield, Hadley is Massachusetts’ tenth most dangerous place.

Hadley is a town of 5,244, making it the smallest spot on this list. But if you thought small towns were automatically safer, think again.

Hadley had the second 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.

Crime By City In Massachusetts

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Holyoke 37,945 4,677 959 3,718 6
2 North Adams 12,836 3,396 1,004 2,391 2
3 Springfield 155,046 3,231 862 2,369 14
4 Chelsea 37,590 2,607 803 1,803 0
5 Brockton 110,084 2,376 646 1,729 8
6 West Springfield 28,655 4,023 492 3,531 1
7 Boston 638,925 2,421 619 1,802 44
8 Pittsfield 43,496 2,342 749 1,593 3
9 Chicopee 55,265 2,412 544 1,867 4
10 Hadley 5,244 3,947 438 3,508 0
11 Worcester 206,575 2,269 602 1,667 11
12 New Bedford 101,402 2,186 626 1,560 4
13 Greenfield 17,203 2,168 488 1,679 0
14 Oak Bluffs 5,653 2,052 689 1,362 0
15 Fall River 94,339 2,222 991 1,231 3
16 Cambridge 117,044 2,646 405 2,240 0
17 Lowell 113,277 2,148 401 1,747 6
18 Webster 17,651 1,875 691 1,184 1
19 Lynn 101,056 1,845 655 1,190 7
20 Leominster 43,690 1,853 428 1,425 0
21 Orange 7,556 1,852 410 1,442 0
22 Agawam 28,536 1,913 357 1,555 0
23 Northampton 29,150 1,636 391 1,245 1
24 Nantucket 14,814 1,977 270 1,707 0
25 Adams 8,073 1,622 359 1,263 0
26 Everett 48,340 1,702 349 1,352 2
27 Edgartown 5,485 1,549 419 1,130 0
28 Seekonk 15,692 2,166 248 1,918 0
29 Framingham 70,716 1,684 284 1,399 1
30 Revere 56,961 1,560 338 1,221 1
31 Quincy 101,434 1,487 397 1,090 2
32 Taunton 60,062 1,398 484 914 1
33 Lawrence 88,422 1,405 502 903 4
34 Marlborough 40,722 1,380 424 955 0
35 Holbrook 11,350 1,524 343 1,180 0
36 Tisbury 5,079 1,476 669 807 0
37 Somerville 79,178 1,635 252 1,382 1
38 Dennis 15,200 1,394 348 1,046 0
39 Dartmouth 34,192 1,456 263 1,193 0
40 Randolph 32,477 1,471 258 1,213 2
41 Braintree 38,835 1,539 242 1,297 1
42 Auburn 16,878 1,801 207 1,593 0
43 Southbridge 17,687 1,277 378 898 0
44 Haverhill 67,359 1,376 578 797 0
45 Wareham 24,389 1,307 311 996 1
46 Montague 8,581 1,375 594 780 0
47 Palmer 12,393 1,291 338 952 0
48 Middleboro 25,744 1,250 415 835 0
49 Stoughton 29,204 1,383 260 1,123 1
50 Malden 64,356 1,480 233 1,247 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Massachusetts. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Massachusetts, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Massachusetts.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Massachusetts cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 253 cities in Massachusetts.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 253 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Massachusetts — Holyoke. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Massachusetts and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Massachusetts FAQs

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 most dangerous in the United States — 16.49% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Bay State ranks 50th most dangerous in the United States — 46.11% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

No, Boston is not a dangerous city. Boston ranks as the #110 safest out of 328 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 112th highest in America — 11.83% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 243rd highest in the United States — 33.96% better than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 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.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Massachusetts

Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Massachusetts

So what is the most dangerous city in Massachusetts? After analyzing 253 cities in Massachusetts, Holyoke takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Massachusetts based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Holyoke ranks as the most dangerous city in Massachusetts for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Massachusetts are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Holyoke and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

Most of Massachusetts’ most dangerous places surround the state’s biggest cities. However, the state’s most dangerous city is one of the least populated.

Where is the most dangerous place in Massachusetts? The most dangerous place in Massachusetts is Holyoke.

If you want to know the location of the rest of Massachusetts’ most dangerous cities, look below.

Learn more about the safest places in Massachusetts.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Massachusetts:

  1. Douglas (Pop. 9,146)
  2. Lincoln (Pop. 6,823)
  3. Blackstone (Pop. 9,222)
  4. Clinton (Pop. 15,432)
  5. Carlisle (Pop. 5,149)
  6. Rockport (Pop. 6,961)
  7. Wayland (Pop. 13,601)
  8. Groveland (Pop. 6,967)
  9. Northborough (Pop. 15,699)
  10. Boxford (Pop. 8,134)

For more Massachusetts reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

8 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts

  1. Pittsfield and north Adams?? You obviously have never been to Massachusetts I can ten more cities that are worse than those two cities.. and Brockton should be higher on that list definitely top three worst cities in MA… where is Fall River? Chelsea? Lynn? I doubt you’ve been to MA seeing how you made this list..

  2. “Holyoke comes in as the 1st most dangerous city in Massachusetts, losing the top position it has held in past years.”

    I’m pretty sure this sentence makes zero sense.

  3. We moved to North Adams, feel completely safe. Although the downtown area is depressed and rife with crime, it is in the majority against each other and not directed toward the average citizen. Your reporting distorts most of the actual facts that most violent crime is perpetrated against someone the individual knows, not some random stranger. North Adams is actually on the rise, lots of new investments and new energy moving into the city. And for every other person being a junkie, I’m pretty sure your making that up!

    1. Living in North Adams for 11 years, my elderly mother and I have suffered 500+ crimes, ranging from prowling and harassment to repeated home invasions, felony burglaries, thousands of dollars in vandalism, and the looting of our safety deposit boxes at four banks in succession over a period of nine months.

      The perpetrators are drug- dealing thugs affiliated with organized crime, protected by the North Adams PD and a few corrupt commanders in the Massachusetts State Police. We have been targeted by these criminals and their allies in law enforcement in retaliation for 1) my attempts to report criminal activity; and 2) my repeated public complaints against NAPD.

      On my tiny street of 11 mostly owner- occupied single family homes, eight houses are involved in apparent drug activity. Residents of several houses surrounding me have openly engaged in repeated acts of vandalism and harassment against my home, together with other thugs living in low-income apartments nearby.

      Nobody else on this street has been experiencing such activity. I have been able to identify virtually all of the 25+ people who have been involved in this terror campaign. The perps have brazenly left much evidence all around my premises, as well as openly casing my house around the clock in cars and on foot. Several of them are reputed NAPD informants. Most have criminal records, including violence in some cases.

      The response from NAPD has been to ignore or discard all evidence, while subjecting me to an intensive program of harassment, witness intimidation, and character assassination. Although I promptly reported all of the hundreds of crimes against my household, all documentation prepared by the police has been incomplete, distorted, or outright falsified. Certain officers have also encouraged their associates in the local drug underworld to commit specific criminal acts against me.

      This tiny city is a major hub in the narcotics pipeline from NYC to northern New England. Western Massachusetts is territory of the Genovese Family, which for about 13 years has engaged the Latin Kings for ground-level drug distribution throughout the Eastern Seaboard. The police maintain a respectable-looking record of drug busts chiefly by targeting unprotected dealers from out of town who dare infringe on the local market. They may occasionally arrest a few low-level local thugs associated with The Pipeline, but it impossible to get any action against the real players, who are mostly middle-aged professional criminals.

  4. You don’t live in this state.
    How can you come up with these stats and and proclaim your rankings in some of the most important and historic cities and towns scaring off potential visitors and possible future residents with your right winged “trump”-ed up “fake” reports?

    1. As a long time resident, these choices listed don’t make sense. Here is a list of cities that I wouldn’t waste my time visiting. Sad because some like Fall River have Battleship Cove and others like New Bedford have the whaling museum.
      Not in any order:
      Boston*Dorchester
      Boston*Roxbury
      Boston*Mattapan
      Brockton
      Chelsea
      Fall River
      Holyoke
      Lawrence
      Lowell
      Lynn
      New Bedford
      Springfield
      Worcester

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