Top 10 Safest Towns in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a quiet kind of confidence. Most days feel routine, not risky, and the numbers back that up. In 2024, the state reported 315 violent crimes and 1,112 property crimes per 100,000 residents, both below the national average. Still, “safe” isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Is Massachusetts Safe?

Yes, it is safe on the whole. Massachusetts has measurable crime rates that reflect the number of reported offenses per 100,000 residents. In 2024, the state recorded 315 violent crimes and 1,112 property crimes per 100,000 people. Overall, Massachusetts’ crime rates for both violent and property offenses are below the national average, indicating that while crime exists, it happens less frequently than in many other states.

Top 10 Safest Towns in Massachusetts

Rank	Town	Population	Violent Crime	Violent Crime Rate	Property Crime	Property Crime Rate
1	Hopkinton	18,585	0	0	30	161.4
2	Franklin	33,149	2	6	41	123.7
3	Norfolk	11,992	1	8.3	23	191.8
4	Lynnfield	13,130	2	15.2	77	586.5
5	Andover	36,547	8	21.9	215	588.2
6	Belmont	26,331	6	22.8	179	680
7	Clinton	13,964	4	28.6	14	100.3
8	Needham	31,275	10	32	135	431.7
9	Medway	13,405	6	44.8	27	201.5
10	Bedford	14,193	7	49.4	40	281.8

On the basis of Massachusetts crime data from the FBI, we collected the top 10 safest Massachusetts towns.

Hopkinton

Hopkinton’s safety profile is defined less by what happened and more by what did not. In 2019, this town of over 18,000 residents recorded zero violent crimes, a result that is uncommon once populations reach five figures. Property crime was also limited, at roughly 161 incidents per 100,000 people, reinforcing the impression of everyday stability rather than statistical luck. For population-adjusted comparisons, Hopkinton sets a high benchmark.

Franklin

Franklin delivers calm at scale. With a population exceeding 33,000, the town reported only two violent crimes throughout the year, yielding a violent crime rate of approximately 6 per 100,000 residents. Property crime levels remained similarly restrained. The data suggests a community where safety is not episodic, but sustained across a larger residential base.

Norfolk

Norfolk’s crime figures read almost like a footnote—quiet, precise, and easily overlooked. One violent crime among nearly 12,000 residents translates into a violent crime rate just above 8 per 100,000, while property crime stayed under 200 per 100,000. These numbers point to consistency rather than extremes, a characteristic often associated with long-term community safety.

Lynnfield

Lynnfield occupies a middle ground that many towns aim for. The town reported two violent crimes within a population of about 13,000, keeping the violent crime rate close to 15 per 100,000 residents. Property crime was more visible, yet still moderate by statewide standards. The result is a profile that reflects activity without volatility.

Andover

Size usually complicates safety metrics, but Andover resists that trend. With more than 36,000 residents, the town recorded eight violent crimes, producing a violent crime rate below 22 per 100,000. Property crime was present but controlled. Andover demonstrates how scale, when matched with infrastructure, does not have to dilute public safety.

Belmont

Belmont’s numbers suggest density rather than danger. Six violent crimes among 26,000 residents place the violent crime rate just under 23 per 100,000. Property crime appears higher, but the overall pattern remains stable. Belmont shows how increased daily activity can coexist with a low risk of serious crime.

Clinton

Clinton’s data stands out for a different reason: balance. Despite a population of nearly 14,000, the town reported only four violent crimes, while property crime was exceptionally low, around 100 incidents per 100,000 residents. These figures indicate a town where both serious and routine crimes remain tightly contained.

Needham

Needham does not rely on extremes to define its safety record. With 10 violent crimes across a population of more than 31,000, the violent crime rate stayed close to 32 per 100,000 residents. Property crime was moderate and predictable. The numbers suggest control, not absence, a key distinction in realistic safety assessments.

Medway

Medway’s crime profile reflects proportion rather than alarm. Six violent crimes among 13,400 residents result in a higher rate than some peers, yet the absolute number remains small. Property crime hovered near 200 per 100,000, indicating occasional incidents without persistent patterns. Medway fits squarely into the low-risk category.

Bedford

Bedford closes the list with measured stability. Seven violent crimes in a town of roughly 14,000 residents place the violent crime rate below 50 per 100,000, while property crime remained under 300 per 100,000. The figures point not to perfection, but to effective containment—an essential trait of consistently safe communities.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Massachusetts

Among the types of crime that occur within the state, the most common include:

• Larceny-Theft. This is by far the single most frequently reported crime category in Massachusetts. Larceny-theft involves unlawfully taking or carrying away someone else’s property, such as shoplifting or stealing items from vehicles. In 2024, about 78.8% of all property crimes in the state were larceny-thefts, making it the dominant driver of property crime rates.
• Burglary. Burglary involves unlawful entry into a home or building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft. While less common than larceny-theft, it remains a notable part of the property crime rate and is often associated with unsecured or vacant properties.
• Motor Vehicle Theft. Vehicle theft occurs less frequently than other property crimes but still contributes to the overall property crime rate. These incidents often involve unattended or unlocked vehicles rather than confrontational situations.
• Violent Crimes. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder, are far less common than property crimes in Massachusetts. Together, these offenses account for 315 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, with aggravated assault representing the largest share of violent incidents.

In sum, crime in Massachusetts is dominated by non-violent property offenses, particularly larceny-theft. Violent crime exists but occurs at significantly lower rates than property crime, shaping the state’s reputation as a comparatively safe place to live.

What Are Some Worst Cities in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is still one of the safest states in the U.S. overall. Even the cities listed below are generally safer than high-crime cities in many other states.

Cities With Higher Crime and Safety Concerns

Springfield

Springfield has one of the highest violent crime rates in Massachusetts among mid-sized cities. Assaults, robberies, and firearm-related incidents occur at rates well above the state average. Certain neighborhoods experience persistent safety issues, despite redevelopment efforts downtown.

Holyoke

Holyoke frequently ranks near the top in violent crime per capita. While it has strong cultural and historical roots, economic decline and concentrated poverty have contributed to ongoing crime challenges in several residential areas.

Brockton

Brockton struggles with both violent and property crime, including assaults, vehicle theft, and burglaries. Its large population means crime volume is high, and certain neighborhoods are consistently flagged as higher-risk.

Fall River

Fall River shows elevated violent crime rates relative to its population size. Property crime is also a concern. While there are revitalization projects underway, safety remains a common issue raised by residents.

New Bedford

New Bedford has higher-than-average violent and property crime rates, particularly in the central and southern parts of the city. Economic inequality and housing density play a role in ongoing safety challenges.

Smaller Towns With Surprisingly High Crime Rates

Chelsea

Chelsea has one of the highest crime rates per square mile in the state due to its small size and dense population. While it has improved in recent years, its crime levels still exceed those of most neighboring communities.

Webster

Despite being a small town, Webster has appeared in crime rankings for high violent crime per capita, making it stand out compared to similar-sized Massachusetts towns.

Southbridge

Southbridge faces persistent economic hardship and elevated crime, particularly property crime. It is often cited as one of the less safe small towns in central Massachusetts.

How to Stay Safe If Living in Some Worst Places in Massachusetts?

Living in an area with higher crime rates doesn’t mean you’re powerless. It simply means being more intentional about daily habits, home security, and personal awareness. Small, consistent precautions can significantly reduce risk and improve peace of mind.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially when walking alone or at night. Avoid distractions like wearing headphones at high volume or constantly looking at your phone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.

Keep Your Home Secure. Always lock doors and windows, even when you’re home. Reinforcing entry points with quality locks and securing sliding doors can help prevent opportunistic break-ins.

Install a Reliable Home Security System. A full-coverage security solution can act as both a deterrent and an early warning system. For example, the eufy ExpertSecure System E10 offers 24/7 monitoring, intrusion detection, and backup connectivity, helping protect your home even during power or internet outages.

Walk in Groups and Use Busy Routes. When possible, walk with others and stick to streets with regular foot traffic and good lighting. Visibility alone can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.

Build Relationships With Neighbors. Knowing the people who live around you creates informal surveillance. Neighbors who recognize one another are more likely to notice and report suspicious activity.

Plan Errands Strategically. Try to handle errands during daylight hours. If you need to go out at night, choose familiar routes and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Use Lighting and Visibility to Your Advantage. Motion-activated lights, porch lighting, and visible cameras can discourage unwanted activity and make your property less appealing to intruders.

Trust Your Instincts. If a situation, person, or place feels unsafe, don’t second-guess yourself. Leave the area or change plans. Early avoidance is often the simplest form of protection.

Understand Local Crime Patterns. Knowing what types of crimes are most common in your area helps you focus on the right precautions, whether that means securing vehicles, avoiding certain areas, or improving home defenses.

Stay Connected. Keep your phone charged, emergency contacts easily accessible, and maintain regular check-ins with friends or family. Staying connected ensures help is easier to reach when needed.

Conclusion

Safety in Massachusetts shows up in the boring details: low violent-crime counts, steady property-crime patterns, and towns where “nothing happened” is the headline. Even if you live near higher-crime cities, smart habits, such as good lighting, solid locks, and knowing your block, go a long way.