2023 Alert: Navigating Danger in Massachusetts – Unveiling the 10 Most Dangerous Cities

It appears that while Massachusetts is leading the nation in arson occurrences, it is lagging behind in terms of violent assault and murder.

Remarkably, there are just 13,000 people living in the city, which records the greatest number of attacks and homicides in the state.

Springfield holds the dubious distinction of being among the most hazardous cities in the country, even though Massachusetts was not included in the top ten most deadly states.

And if we were to give out a prize for “Most Dangerous New England State,” there are rumors that Massachusetts might win.

So, here is the list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts, ranked by Srdjan Ilic of Southwest Journal.

1. Holyoke

Holyoke has had the unpleasant distinction of being the most unsafe city in my home state of Massachusetts for three years running.

Holyoke residents have a 1 in 32 risk of becoming victims of property crime in 2020. Thus, if you happen to find yourself in Holyoke, don’t forget to lock your doors and be cautious with your possessions.

Furthermore, Holyoke had the second-highest murder rate in Massachusetts and the 49th-highest number of rape cases, with approximately one violent crime reported per day.

2. Springfield

Springfield is a city of contrasts—it is home to both the renowned children’s book author Dr. Seuss and Smith & Wesson, the nation’s largest weapon manufacturer.

Sadly, Springfield’s Smith & Wesson side has gained more notoriety since the city has the highest prevalence of violent crime in Massachusetts.

Springfield had the sixth-highest murder rate in the state in 2020, with 18 homicides reported. Over the course of the year, Springfield residents had a 1 in 103 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime.

3. North Adams

North Adams, a 12,620-person community in western Massachusetts’s Berkshire County, is well-known for its leisure, cultural, and tourist industries. It is, nonetheless, becoming known as a hazardous location.

With 69 recorded break-ins in 2020, North Adams has the second-highest rate of burglaries in the state. Although North Adams has a very low prevalence of violent crime, the city has the 16th-highest rate of rape charges in the state.

4. Worcester

Worcester, the second-biggest city in New England and the fourth-most dangerous in the state of Massachusetts, is referred to as the “Heart of the Commonwealth” because of its strategic location.

Throughout 2020, Worcester recorded around one murder per month, which is a small portion of the 1,169 violent offenses that were reported throughout the whole year.

5. Hadley

Hadley, almost twenty miles north of Springfield, ranks as Massachusetts’ sixth-most hazardous location. Hadley, with a population of 5,352, is the smallest town on our list, but it demonstrates that smaller communities aren’t always safer.

With 25% of all violent crimes committed in the state throughout the year, Hadley had the 59th highest percentage of rape cases.

6. Brockton

Unfortunately, the city, located around twenty-five miles south of Boston, is ranked as the sixth-most hazardous location in the state of Massachusetts.

With 752 violent crimes in 2020, Brockton, a city of 99,171, has the fifth-highest rate of violent crime in the state. This indicates that there were 758 violent offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.

Additionally, the city reported 1,672 property crimes per 100,000 people. Despite these figures, Brockton—home to the Fuller Craft Museum and the historic Brockton Fair—is a city with a vibrant past and a strong sense of community.

7. Boston

Situated on the eastern border of Massachusetts, Boston is a thriving metropolis that I will always cherish.

Recognized for its abundant past, cultural relevance, and status as a center for learning and advancement, Boston welcomes millions of tourists every year.

But it’s also the state’s seventh-most deadly city. Boston recorded 184 sexual assaults and 58 homicides in 2020.

Despite these numbers, Boston maintains its bustling neighborhoods, iconic sites, and top-notch food and entertainment sectors, making it a city full of vitality.

8. West Springfield

Across the Connecticut River from Springfield, West Springfield is ranked as the ninth-most dangerous city in Massachusetts.

Its property crime rate is almost as high as Springfield’s, making it the second highest in Massachusetts, even though its violent crime rate is far lower.

Despite these statistics, West Springfield is well-known for its yearly Big E Fair, which is the sixth-biggest fair in the US and the largest agricultural event on the Eastern Seaboard.

9. Pittsfield

The main city and county seat of Berkshire County, Pittsfield, ranks eighth in terms of hazards among all places in Massachusetts. Pittsfield had the highest rate of burglaries in the state in 2020, with around five recorded each week.

Pittsfield is renowned for its thriving cultural culture despite these figures, thanks to the Colonial Theatre, the Berkshire Museum, and the yearly Pittsfield City Jazz Festival.

10. Chicopee

Situated between Holyoke and Springfield, Chicopee ranks as the ninth-most hazardous city in Massachusetts. Although Chicopee has a lower violent crime rate than its surrounding communities, it has a nearly equal property crime rate.

Chicopee, which is home to the historic Chicopee Community Hall and the Chicopee Memorial State Park, is a community steeped in history despite these numbers.

The city has demonstrated its resilience in the face of these difficulties by maintaining a strong sense of community and a dedication to public safety.