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 254 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.
1,041 violent crimes /100k · 4,232 property crimes /100k · #2 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Hampden County, Massachusetts
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 23 chance of being the victim of a property crime in 2024, 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 seventh highest rate of rape cases and seventh highest murder rate in Massachusetts.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
1,194 violent crimes /100k · 2,557 property crimes /100k · #1 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Berkshire County, Massachusetts
North Adams is a city of 12,395 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 41 break-ins in 2024. 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 24th highest rate of rape cases in the state.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
891 violent crimes /100k · 2,836 property crimes /100k · #4 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Hampden County, 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 fourth highest violent crime rate in Massachusetts. Springfield had the fifth highest murder rate statewide, reporting 17 murders in 2024.
Overall, Springfield residents had a 1 in 112 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 seventh highest burglary rate in the state.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
695 violent crimes /100k · 2,004 property crimes /100k · #7 most violent in Massachusetts
628 violent crimes /100k · 2,022 property crimes /100k · #9 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
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 5 most dangerous spot in Massachusetts. The disturbing crime statistics include 24 murders and 169 sexual assaults.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers | Compare
456 violent crimes /100k · 3,609 property crimes /100k · #17 most violent in Massachusetts
Located some 20 miles north of Springfield, Hadley is Massachusetts’ sixth most dangerous place.
Hadley is a town of 5,264, 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 second highest property crime rate in Mass, and you’ve got a recipe for a busy workload for the Hadley Police Department.
567 violent crimes /100k · 1,761 property crimes /100k · #12 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Hampden County, Massachusetts
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 750 larceny cases in 2024, 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 2024.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
979 violent crimes /100k · 1,436 property crimes /100k · #3 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Chelsea, ranked as the eighth most dangerous place to live in Massachusetts, faces significant safety concerns. With a population of 38,307, this city in Suffolk County has recorded 375 violent crimes, including 2 murders, 31 rapes, 46 robberies, and 296 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.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
532 violent crimes /100k · 1,663 property crimes /100k · #13 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Lowell is a city in the U.S. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Located in Middlesex County, Lowell was a county seat until Massachusetts disbanded county government in 1999. With an estimated population of 109,945 in 2014, it is the fourth-largest city in Massachusetts, and the second-largest in the Boston metropolitan statistical area. The city is also part of a smaller Massachusetts statistical area called Greater Lowell, as well as New England’s Merrimack Valley region.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
437 violent crimes /100k · 2,644 property crimes /100k · #23 most violent in Massachusetts
Located in
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Cambridge is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and part of the Boston metropolitan area.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
The receipts
Compare the top ten
Pick a metric. The bars rescale. The red line is Massachusetts’s statewide median.
On the map
Where crime hits hardest in Massachusetts
Saturday Night Science
How we determined the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts for 2026?
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 2024 data, specifically the 2024 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 254 cities in Massachusetts.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 254 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 eleventh time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Massachusetts and is updated for 2026.
The full plate
Crime By City In Massachusetts
Click any column to sort. Search by city name.
| Rank | City | Dangerous Index | Population | Total Crimes Per 100K | Violent Crimes Per 100K | Property Crimes Per 100K | Murders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holyoke | 1.50 | 38,232 | 5,273 | 1,041 | 4,232 | 3 |
| 2 | North Adams | 3.50 | 12,395 | 3,752 | 1,194 | 2,557 | 0 |
| 3 | Springfield | 4.00 | 155,491 | 3,727 | 891 | 2,836 | 17 |
| 4 | Greenfield | 7.50 | 17,419 | 2,698 | 695 | 2,004 | 1 |
| 5 | Boston | 8.00 | 659,049 | 2,650 | 628 | 2,022 | 24 |
| 6 | Hadley | 9.50 | 5,264 | 4,065 | 456 | 3,609 | 0 |
| 7 | Chicopee | 11.50 | 55,770 | 2,327 | 567 | 1,761 | 4 |
| 8 | Chelsea | 12.50 | 38,307 | 2,415 | 979 | 1,436 | 2 |
| 9 | Lowell | 13.50 | 116,062 | 2,195 | 532 | 1,663 | 5 |
| 10 | Cambridge | 14.00 | 120,447 | 3,081 | 437 | 2,644 | 0 |
| 11 | West Springfield | 15.00 | 28,898 | 3,588 | 415 | 3,173 | 0 |
| 12 | Fall River | 15.50 | 95,573 | 2,134 | 743 | 1,392 | 3 |
| 13 | Revere | 20.00 | 57,779 | 1,980 | 445 | 1,535 | 0 |
| 14 | Brockton | 20.00 | 106,650 | 1,945 | 599 | 1,346 | 8 |
| 15 | Fitchburg | 23.00 | 42,332 | 1,831 | 487 | 1,344 | 1 |
| 16 | Leominster | 25.00 | 44,407 | 1,799 | 484 | 1,315 | 2 |
| 17 | Pittsfield | 26.00 | 42,835 | 1,751 | 511 | 1,240 | 2 |
| 18 | Lynn | 26.50 | 103,200 | 1,745 | 575 | 1,171 | 3 |
| 19 | Northampton | 28.50 | 30,108 | 1,717 | 445 | 1,272 | 1 |
| 20 | Oak Bluffs | 29.00 | 5,483 | 1,769 | 365 | 1,404 | 0 |
| 21 | New Bedford | 32.50 | 102,491 | 1,712 | 353 | 1,359 | 7 |
| 22 | Quincy | 35.00 | 103,550 | 1,668 | 335 | 1,333 | 0 |
| 23 | Holbrook | 36.00 | 11,462 | 1,693 | 314 | 1,378 | 1 |
| 24 | Everett | 36.00 | 51,744 | 1,662 | 348 | 1,314 | 0 |
| 25 | Plainville | 36.50 | 10,051 | 2,030 | 269 | 1,761 | 0 |
| 26 | Auburn | 36.50 | 17,122 | 1,565 | 409 | 1,156 | 4 |
| 27 | Marlborough | 41.50 | 41,785 | 1,457 | 421 | 1,036 | 0 |
| 28 | Lawrence | 41.50 | 89,600 | 1,439 | 440 | 999 | 7 |
| 29 | Malden | 46.50 | 66,046 | 1,472 | 292 | 1,179 | 0 |
| 30 | Webster | 47.50 | 17,876 | 1,438 | 638 | 800 | 0 |
| 31 | Dedham | 47.50 | 25,355 | 1,597 | 272 | 1,325 | 0 |
| 32 | Saugus | 47.50 | 29,180 | 1,652 | 250 | 1,402 | 0 |
| 33 | Framingham | 47.50 | 73,123 | 1,380 | 325 | 1,054 | 0 |
| 34 | Burlington | 48.00 | 27,124 | 1,888 | 225 | 1,663 | 0 |
| 35 | Haverhill | 48.00 | 68,602 | 1,335 | 411 | 924 | 0 |
| 36 | Somerville | 48.00 | 81,766 | 1,920 | 221 | 1,699 | 0 |
| 37 | Adams | 49.50 | 7,947 | 1,510 | 277 | 1,233 | 0 |
| 38 | Taunton | 49.50 | 61,874 | 1,282 | 448 | 834 | 1 |
| 39 | Wareham | 51.00 | 23,609 | 1,377 | 292 | 1,084 | 0 |
| 40 | Braintree | 52.50 | 39,018 | 1,404 | 284 | 1,120 | 0 |
| 41 | Abington | 53.00 | 17,261 | 1,593 | 232 | 1,361 | 1 |
| 42 | Seekonk | 54.00 | 16,083 | 1,859 | 211 | 1,648 | 0 |
| 43 | Agawam | 55.00 | 28,921 | 1,331 | 287 | 1,044 | 0 |
| 44 | Orange | 55.50 | 7,556 | 1,244 | 318 | 926 | 0 |
| 45 | Stoughton | 56.00 | 29,410 | 1,387 | 258 | 1,129 | 0 |
| 46 | East Longmeadow | 57.00 | 16,714 | 1,675 | 209 | 1,466 | 0 |
| 47 | Athol | 58.50 | 12,165 | 1,184 | 452 | 732 | 0 |
| 48 | Barnstable | 59.50 | 50,928 | 1,196 | 410 | 785 | 1 |
| 49 | Dartmouth | 60.50 | 34,792 | 1,345 | 250 | 1,095 | 0 |
| 50 | Bourne | 62.00 | 21,124 | 1,245 | 275 | 970 | 0 |
| 51 | Edgartown | 62.50 | 5,419 | 1,163 | 388 | 775 | 0 |
| 52 | Milford | 62.50 | 30,799 | 1,188 | 286 | 903 | 1 |
| 53 | Raynham | 64.00 | 16,119 | 1,315 | 236 | 1,079 | 0 |
| 54 | Attleboro | 66.50 | 47,594 | 1,347 | 221 | 1,126 | 1 |
| 55 | Falmouth | 67.50 | 33,877 | 1,125 | 283 | 841 | 0 |
| 56 | Watertown | 67.50 | 35,885 | 2,012 | 153 | 1,859 | 0 |
| 57 | Natick | 68.00 | 37,073 | 1,349 | 213 | 1,136 | 0 |
| 58 | Montague | 70.00 | 8,403 | 1,059 | 428 | 631 | 0 |
| 59 | Medford | 70.50 | 59,601 | 1,379 | 180 | 1,200 | 0 |
| 60 | Middleboro | 71.00 | 25,046 | 1,054 | 427 | 627 | 0 |
| 61 | Tewksbury | 71.00 | 31,827 | 1,125 | 255 | 870 | 0 |
| 62 | Lee | 71.50 | 5,666 | 1,182 | 229 | 953 | 0 |
| 63 | Bellingham | 71.50 | 18,099 | 1,260 | 215 | 1,044 | 0 |
| 64 | Randolph | 72.50 | 34,992 | 1,135 | 240 | 894 | 1 |
| 65 | Salem | 73.00 | 45,955 | 1,706 | 152 | 1,554 | 0 |
| 66 | Peabody | 73.00 | 54,964 | 1,092 | 255 | 837 | 0 |
| 67 | Whitman | 73.50 | 15,670 | 1,034 | 294 | 740 | 0 |
| 68 | Plymouth | 73.50 | 68,195 | 1,018 | 323 | 695 | 2 |
| 69 | Millbury | 74.50 | 14,328 | 1,556 | 154 | 1,403 | 0 |
| 70 | Southbridge | 74.50 | 18,280 | 1,001 | 367 | 635 | 0 |
| 71 | Wilbraham | 77.00 | 14,798 | 1,439 | 162 | 1,277 | 2 |
| 72 | Leicester | 77.50 | 11,275 | 976 | 310 | 665 | 0 |
| 73 | Woburn | 78.00 | 42,716 | 1,142 | 215 | 927 | 0 |
| 74 | Wrentham | 78.50 | 12,906 | 1,821 | 132 | 1,689 | 0 |
| 75 | Yarmouth | 78.50 | 25,616 | 972 | 297 | 675 | 0 |
| 76 | Gardner | 79.00 | 21,288 | 949 | 329 | 620 | 0 |
| 77 | Danvers | 80.50 | 28,375 | 1,618 | 137 | 1,480 | 0 |
| 78 | Sturbridge | 81.00 | 10,135 | 1,066 | 217 | 849 | 0 |
| 79 | Palmer | 81.00 | 12,534 | 949 | 375 | 574 | 0 |
| 80 | Weymouth | 82.00 | 60,802 | 1,043 | 224 | 819 | 0 |
| 81 | Nantucket | 82.50 | 14,789 | 1,116 | 203 | 913 | 0 |
| 82 | Westborough | 83.00 | 22,591 | 1,027 | 226 | 801 | 0 |
| 83 | Maynard | 84.00 | 10,762 | 985 | 242 | 743 | 0 |
| 84 | Dennis | 85.00 | 15,263 | 996 | 236 | 760 | 0 |
| 85 | Waltham | 86.50 | 65,488 | 951 | 252 | 699 | 1 |
| 86 | Wilmington | 87.00 | 23,535 | 1,177 | 166 | 1,011 | 0 |
| 87 | Foxborough | 89.00 | 18,793 | 899 | 282 | 617 | 0 |
| 88 | Great Barrington | 90.50 | 7,198 | 959 | 222 | 736 | 0 |
| 89 | Westfield | 91.00 | 41,270 | 998 | 191 | 807 | 0 |
| 90 | Ware | 92.00 | 10,076 | 1,052 | 695 | 357 | 0 |
| 91 | Oxford | 92.50 | 13,549 | 900 | 236 | 664 | 0 |
| 92 | Monson | 93.00 | 8,262 | 871 | 399 | 472 | 0 |
| 93 | Eastham | 95.50 | 5,932 | 995 | 169 | 826 | 0 |
| 94 | Kingston | 96.50 | 14,291 | 896 | 217 | 679 | 0 |
| 95 | Canton | 96.50 | 25,181 | 830 | 290 | 540 | 0 |
| 96 | Methuen | 97.00 | 54,623 | 972 | 176 | 796 | 0 |
| 97 | Gloucester | 98.00 | 30,599 | 830 | 278 | 552 | 0 |
| 98 | Deerfield | 99.00 | 5,204 | 807 | 307 | 500 | 0 |
| 99 | Freetown | 99.00 | 9,493 | 780 | 327 | 453 | 0 |
| 100 | South Hadley | 99.00 | 18,627 | 907 | 193 | 714 | 0 |
Source: FBI UCR 2024. 254 cities with more than 5,000 residents.
Summary
Summary: Locking It All Up In Massachusetts
So what is the most dangerous city in Massachusetts? After analyzing 254 cities in Massachusetts, Holyoke takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Massachusetts based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2024.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Holyoke ranks as the most dangerous city in Massachusetts for 2026.
The most dangerous cities in Massachusetts are Holyoke, North Adams, Springfield, Greenfield, Boston, Hadley, Chicopee, Chelsea, Lowell, and Cambridge.
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. Not sold on Massachusetts? Take the two-minute Find Your Place quiz and see which state actually fits you.
Questions and answers
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 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.
Is Boston, MA a dangerous city?
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.
