Massachusetts Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 14 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
351.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
1107.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
98/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Massachusetts
National Context
Massachusetts maintains a high safety ranking nationwide
The Commonwealth reports a total crime rate of 1,458.6 per 100K residents, which is nearly 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This significant gap positions Massachusetts as one of the safest states in the country for residents and visitors alike.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Low property crime rates drive state security
Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,107.5 incidents per 100K, yet this remains well below the national benchmark of 2,015.7. Violent crime is similarly contained at 351.1 per 100K, slightly beating the national average of 369.8.
Safest Counties
Barnstable and Norfolk lead the state in safety
Barnstable County claims the top spot with a total crime rate of 1,011.6 per 100K, followed closely by Norfolk and Franklin counties. These areas stand out for maintaining exceptionally low incident counts that are less than half the national frequency.
Crime Hotspots
Analyzing crime trends in urban and island hubs
Hampden and Suffolk counties record the highest rates at 2,492.2 and 2,384.3 per 100K, reflecting the activity of major metropolitan centers. Nantucket County also reports a higher rate of 2,111.6, though this figure is often influenced by its unique seasonal population fluctuations.
The Takeaway
A reliably safe environment for New Englanders
Massachusetts remains an exceptionally safe state where even the busiest counties often align closely with the national average. Prospective residents can find peace of mind in a state where safety metrics consistently outperform most of the United States.
Safest Counties
All Massachusetts Counties
| County | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Barnstable County | 98/100 |
| Norfolk County | 98/100 |
| Essex County | 98/100 |
| Franklin County | 98/100 |
| Plymouth County | 98/100 |
| Hampshire County | 98/100 |
| Middlesex County | 98/100 |
| Worcester County | 98/100 |
| Dukes County | 98/100 |
| Bristol County | 98/100 |
| Berkshire County | 98/100 |
| Nantucket County | 97/100 |
| Suffolk County | 96/100 |
| Hampden County | 96/100 |
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.