The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Massachusetts For 2024

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 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 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, 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Massachusetts FAQs