There are certain places that you just avoid after dark. Every state has areas known as the most dangerous places, and Massachusetts is no exception. To determine the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts, we focused on rates of violent crime over property crime for this list. However, a combination of crime statistics was considered, such as violent crime (including rape), arson, property crime, and theft. Poverty rates were also factored into the rankings. All data used is from the most recent FBI Crime Report.

Please note: this list is for general interest purposes only. There are beautiful and valuable spots in all of these cities! Truly, Massachusetts is a wonderful place to live.

1. Holyoke
Holyoke, MA, USA
John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This city ranked #1 in terms of crime across the board when it comes to looking for places to avoid in Massachusetts. You have a 1 in 15 chance of being the victim of any crime in Holyoke. Residents also have a 1 in 100 chance of being attacked, raped or killed for each year that they stay in Holyoke. That's pretty horrifying. The city also includes woods that do no less than send a chill down your spine, like Eyrie House Ruins. Take a hike away from downtown Holyoke and into the woods to take a look for yourself.
2. Chelsea
Chelsea, MA 02150, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Chelsea may be the smallest city in the state, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. You have a 1 in 18 chance of being the victim of a crime in Chelsea, which is pretty scary considering the entire city is only 2.5 square miles in area. There were 250 aggravated assaults in Chelsea in 2013.
3. Brockton
Brockton, MA, USA
John Phelan, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Your chances of being a victim of violent crime in Brockton are just over 3 in 250. Brockton was the site of nine murders, 87 rapes and 838 violent assaults in 2014.
4. New Bedford
New Bedford, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons
As with all larger cities, parts of New Bedford have a reputation for being a bit sketchy after dark. There were 1,039 violent crimes here in 2013, including six murders, 100 rapes, 256 robberies and 677 violent assaults. There were also 20 reports of arson, which is much higher than in surrounding areas.
5. Springfield
Springfield, MA, USA
Flickr/MOTT
Springfield comes in 5th on our list with a lower assault rate than some other cities, but a much higher murder rate than most: there were 22 murders in Springfield in 2013. Your chances of being the victim of a robbery, arson or theft are also pretty high in this area. The odds are 1 out of 21, making Springfield a dangerous place to avoid in Massachusetts.

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6. Fall River
Fall River, MA, USA
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Fall River is a beautiful city, but safety here can go downhill after dark. In 2013, there were 73 rapes and 225 robberies in Fall River. There were also 646 reported cases of aggravated assault. Unemployment hovers around 12%, which certainly doesn’t help.
7. Lawrence
Lawrence, MA, USA
John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Lawrence has the second-highest high school dropout rate in the state, with 4 out of 10 students failing to get their diplomas. This is thought to contribute to the high crime rate that plagues the city and its place as one of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts after dark. There were 776 violent crimes in 2013, with 473 aggravated assaults.
8. North Adams
North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Flickr/Tyson Luneau
The town of North Adams may be an unlikely addition to this list, but its low population (about 13,500 people) belies its comparatively high crime rate. In 2013, there were two murders, 21 rapes, eight robberies and 103 aggravated assaults. Top that off with 175 reported burglaries. North Adams also has the lowest housing prices in the state, which may be understandable given the above statistics.
9. Worcester
Worcester, MA, USA
Terageorge, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Worcester is a pretty big place with a population that comes around 183,400. Even given its size, however, Worcester can still be a little scary after dark and one of the dangerous places to avoid in Massachusetts. There were 1,750 total reported violent crimes in 2013, which included nine murders, 22 rapes, 483 robberies and a staggering 1,236 aggravated assaults.
10. Lynn
Lynn, MA, USA
Flickr/maliciousmonkey
Lynn has a bit of a reputation for crime, though things have been improving over the last decade. However, it still ranks as one of the most dangerous cities to wander after sundown. There were two murders in Lynn in 2013, as well as 39 rapes, 189 robberies and 584 aggravated assaults.

What are some places that you consider the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts? Of course, in recent years, cities and towns in Massachusetts have seen a decline in serious crimes across the state, and some point to a faster fall in crime in the state compared to the United States as a whole. This is good news for both locals and tourists, as there is much more to the state than crime.

If you’d rather not dwell on the negative, there are some beautiful places to live in Massachusetts.

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most dangerous places in Massachusetts

Christina Arrascaeta | July 21, 2022

What are the worst things about living in Massachusetts?

Some unpopular things about living in Massachusetts include:

  • Traffic
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher cost of living

 

Massachusetts is a popular state located in the northeastern part of the United States. During the winters, the state is known to be a magnet for dangerous nor’easters. On average, about 51 inches of snow amasses in Massachusetts each year, making it the eight-snowiest state in the country and not ideal for those who are not accustomed to long and harsh winters. Also, from a financial perspective, the state has a higher-than-average cost of living with it being 127.2 overall.

What is Massachusetts known for?

Massachusetts is famous for:

  • Being home to several colleges and universities
  • The Boston Red Sox
  • World-famous museums

 

Massachusetts is known for being the home to many colleges and universities, including some of the top in the nation. The state is also known for its popular baseball team, the Boston Red Sox. Boston is the most popular city in the state, drawing tourists from around the world to renowned museums and historic attractions.

Is Massachusetts a great place to live?

Yes, Massachusetts is a wonderful place to live!

According to a 2021 report by Wallethub.com, Massachusetts is the second-best state to live in. Based on affordability, economy, education and health, and the overall quality of life, the state scored 62.60, above New York but lower than New Jersey. When it comes to affordability, the state falls short as the median home price reaches around half a million dollars.

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