Safest Towns in Massachusetts: Discover the Most Peaceful Places

Massachusetts is known for its historic charm, thriving communities, and its cultural richness, but safety is a crucial factor here. In this article, we’ll look at the safest towns in Massachusetts for 2024, including crime statistics, and tips for staying safe in the Bay State.

Is Massachusetts Safe?

Yes, Massachusetts is a safe state. According to statistics, it ranks in the 92nd percentile for safety, that is to say, it is safer than 92% of other states in the U.S. But the southern part of Massachusetts is generally considered the safest, while the western neighborhoods may have higher crime rates.

Top 10 safest towns in Massachusetts

Here is the list of the safest places in Massachusetts.

1. Northborough

Northborough ranks as the safest town in Massachusetts for 2024, with super low crime rates. With a violent crime rate of 0.3 crimes per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 0.1 per 1,000, the town is one of the safest in America. Despite its small size, strong community programs and outstanding public safety measures make it a great place to live.

2. Wayland

With a violent crime rate of 0.1 and property crime of 1.6 per 1,000, Wayland is known for its lovely neighborhoods and great schools. It has a well-resourced police department, and proactive community safety measures to protect families.

3. Clinton

Clinton is a close-knit community with a violent crime rate per 1,000 of 0.5 and a property crime rate of 0.3. It’s a safe and welcoming place thanks in part to its historic charm and its active neighborhood watch programs.

4. Grafton

Grafton stands out for safety with violent crime at 0.6 incidents per 1,000 residents and property crime at 1.7 per 1,000. What Makes It the Ideal Town for Families? It has a proactive approach to community policing and focuses on education.

5. Ipswich

Ipswich is famous for its beauty and has a violent crime rate of 0.4 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000. It is one of Massachusetts' most secure towns because it has a well-engaged active community and places a great emphasis on local safety initiatives.

6. Winchester

Suburban comfort with low crime rates makes Winchester's the more appealing formula. 0.4 violent crimes and 2.7 property crimes per 1,000 residents make for a report to the town. One of its strong community ties and excellent public services makes it a safe place.

7. Sharon

With an excellent school system and family-friendly atmosphere, Sharon has a violent crime rate of 0.4 crimes per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Crime rates are amazingly low due to community-oriented events and vigilant law enforcement.

8. Scituate

If you're willing to have a coastal gem climate, Scituate has a violent crime rate of 0.7 per 1,000 people and property crime of 1.6 per 1,000 people. It has no equal in terms of its commitment to public safety, and to its community wellbeing, nor does it have its equal in terms of its scenic beauty.

9. Holliston

The crime rate of Holliston is 0.3 per 1,000 for violent crimes and 3.6 per 1,000 for property crimes. The neighborhoods are safe, and the policing is good, but residents enjoy community programs.

10. Lexington

Lexington is rich in significance and claims a crime rate compared to the violent crime of 0.4 and 3.1 per 1,000 for property crime. For safety, its excellent public safety services and a strong sense of community stand it out.

Source: SafeWise

What crime are Massachusetts residents concerned about most?

The trend of crime rates in Massachusetts has not been great over the past year. Although it still sits below the national average, the crime rates have been increasing as violent crimes have increased by 23% and property crimes saw a 9% increase.

Property Crime

The property crime rate in Massachusetts as of 2024 is 11.3 per 1000 people which is way below the national average.

Violent Crime

The violent crime rate, however, is very close to the national average (4.0) marking at 3.7 violent crimes per 1000 people.

Gun Violence

Gun violence is a major concern which has risen to 51% because of a 31% increase in the past year. Massachusetts now matches the national average for gun violence at 51%.

Package Safety

Package theft stands at 46% whereas the national average is 53% of packages stolen.

Source: SafeWise

5 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts

While Massachusetts has many safe towns, certain cities experience higher crime rates:

1. Holyoke

The overall crime rates in Holyoke are 195% higher than the state average of 3.7. Its high crime statistics are built on economic challenges and lack of resources.

2. Springfield

Springfield is one of the major cities in Massachusetts, having a particularly high crime rate at 150% higher than the state average. Areas have ongoing problems of socioeconomic disparities and gang-related activity.

3. North Adams

But while still a cultural hub, North Adams has crime issues. The total crime rate stands at 3.1.

4. New Bedford

The crime rate in New Bedford is 129% higher than the overall state average. These figures are doubly contributed by economic challenges and urban density.

5. Chicopee

The city of Chicopee reports a crime rate higher than the state average with a factor of 93%. Hard work is being put in place to deal with crime, but some areas are tough.

Source: PropertyClub

How to Stay Safe in Massachusetts?

With crime rates growing at an alarming rate every year, taking the right security measures has become essential if you want to live here. Below are some tips to keep your place safe from all these security issues:

1. Install a security camera at your place. With Reolink’s Christmas sales you can enjoy great deals and discounts when making your place secure.
2. Install secure home locks with smart access to keep your place safe even when you are not around.
3. Keep a guard dog that will protect your property 24/7 and not allow any intruders.

FAQs

1. What is the safest town in Massachusetts to live in?

Northborough makes it onto the list as the safest town with 0.3 incidents per 1,000 residents for violent crime and 0.1 per 1,000 for property crime.

2. What cities have the highest crime rate in Massachusetts?

Holyoke is the most dangerous city in Massachusetts with a crime rate 195% higher than the state average. Second is Springfield with a crime rate higher than the national average at 150%.

3. Is Massachusetts a safe or bad state to live in?

Massachusetts is a good state to live in when we consider the current crime rates being lower than the national average at 3.7 for violent and 11.3 for property crimes. However, the rate at which these crimes have been increasing over the years is alarming.

Conclusion

Massachusetts has a lot of safe towns with low crime rates and rich communities. These include options like Northborough, Wayland, and many others that are safer with crime rates lower than the national average. You can live comfortably and safely in this state by choosing the right area and taking simple precautions like installing security cameras and secure home locks.