Officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state of Massachusetts is the most populous state in New England and the 15th most populous in the U.S. Home to 6.7 million residents, 80% of the population lives in the greater Boston area. A state rich in history and known for its diverse commerce and institutes of higher learning, it’s no surprise that so many want to call The Bay State home. Here are the 50 safest cities in Massachusetts to help you make the most informed choice for you and your family.
Related: Check out our Massachusetts Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 391 for violent crime and 1,857 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.
Get the Badge!
Did Your City Make the List? Click here to get the badge and display it on your website!
#1 North Attleboro
Officially North Attleborough, this town in Bristol County is home to 28,700 residents. Located on the Rhode Island border and approximately 40 miles from Boston, the community has a strong history in button-making and jewelry over several centuries. It is also the safest place to live in Massachusetts, with no violent crime at all and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.5%.
#2 Sudbury
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Sudbury has a current population of 17,600 residents. Considered a part of Boston’s MetroWest area, the community has a rich colonial history and is home to the Wayside Inn, the country’s oldest operating inn. Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate in Sudbury is 5.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .04%.
#3 Needham
A town in Norfolk County, Needham is home to 28,800 residents. Considered a suburb of Boston, the community is the site of the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering as well as several large businesses such as Coca-Cola, Trader Joes, Trip Advisor, and PTC. The violent crime rate here is 6.8, and residents of Needham have a .09% chance of being affected by property crime.
#4 Weston
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Weston is home to 11,200 residents. Considered an affluent suburb of Boston, the community maintains over 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, and it is the only town in the area with private roads. The violent crime rate in Weston is 8.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .04%.
#5 Norfolk
A town in Norfolk County, Norfolk is home to 11,200 residents. Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Boston, the city encompasses 15.2 square miles and sits on the upper valley of the Charles River. Another safe choice, the violent crime rate here is 8.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Norfolk is just .04%.
#6 Hopkinton
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Hopkinton is home to 14,900 residents. Just 30 miles west of Boston, the community is best known as the starting point of the Boston Marathon and as the site of the corporate headquarters of EMC Corporation. The violent crime rate in Hopkinton is 13.1, and residents here have a .06% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#7 Shrewsbury
A town in Worcester County, Shrewsbury is home to 12,400 residents. Considered a suburb of Worcester, the town is both an agricultural community and a resort destination thanks to its proximity to Lake Quinsigamond. The violent crime rate here is 16.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Shrewsbury is just .07%.
#8 Duxbury
Located in Plymouth County, the town of Duxbury is home to 15,000 residents. Just 35 miles southeast of Boston, this coastal community has a history in shipbuilding and is now known for its production of cranberry’s, oysters, and other shellfish. The violent crime rate in Duxbury is 19.6, and residents here have a .06% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#9 Hanover
Another town in Plymouth County, Hanover is home to 13,800 residents. Just 20 miles southeast of Boston, the community encompasses 15.7 square miles and operates its own public school system. The violent crime rate here is 21.3, and residents of Hanover have a 1.9% chance of being affected by property crime.
#10 Franklin
Located in Norfolk County, Franklin is a city that is home to 33,000 residents. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the town is also home to the nation’s first public library, which began with Franklin’s donation of books in 1790. The violent crime rate in Franklin is 34.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .04%.
#11 Ipswich
A town in Essex County, Ipswich has a current population of 13,100 residents. This coastal community includes the southern part of Plum Island and is known as the home of Sandy Point State Reservation, Crane Beach, and the popular annual Ipswich Chowderfest. The violent crime rate here is 37.3, and residents of Ipswich have a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#12 Reading
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Reading is home to 24,700 residents. Just 10 miles north of Boston, the community is home to several historic landmarks, including The Parker Tavern, which was built in 1694. The violent crime rate in Reading is 39.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .07%.
#13 Lexington
Also located in Middlesex County, the town of Lexington is home to 31,300 residents. Considered a wealthy suburb of Boston, the town is known as the site of the first shots of the American Revolutionary War, in the Battle of Lexington. The violent crime rate here is 40.6, and residents of Lexington have a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#14 Hudson
Another town in Middlesex County, Hudson has a current population of 19,000 residents. The community was once home to 17 shoe factories but is now the site of such high-tech companies as Digital Equipment Corporation. The violent crime rate in Hudson is 41.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.2%.
#15 Wellesley
Located in Norfolk County, the town Wellesley is home 27,900 residents. Considered a suburb of Boston, the community is best known for being the site of Wellesley College, a women’s liberal arts college, and Babson College, a business college. The violent crime rate here is 42.3, and residents of Wellesley have a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#16 Holden
A town in Worcester County, Holden is home to 17,300 residents. Founded in 1741, the community encompasses 36.2 square miles and is served by the Wachusett Regional School District. The violent crime rate in Holden is 45.6, and residents here have a .05% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#17 Dracut
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Dracut is home to 31,000 residents. The town is just south of the New Hampshire state line in the Merrimack Valley and is 30 miles northwest of Boston. The violent crime rate here is 46.6, and residents of Dracut have a 1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#18 Norton
A town in Bristol County, Norton has a current population of 19,000 residents. The community is composed of several villages and is known as the home of Wheaton College as well as the TPC Boston golf club, the site of an annual PGA tournament. The violent crime rate in Norton is 46.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .06%.
#19 Westford
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Westford is home to 21,900 residents. Incorporated in 1729, the town has a history in agriculture, but its present economy depends more on high-tech industry, with such companies as Seagate, Samsung, and Sonus Networks being located here. Puma’s North American headquarters is also in Westford. The violent crime rate here is 49.2, and residents of Westford have a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#20 Bedford
Another town in Middlesex County, Bedford is home to 13,300 residents. Located 15 miles northwest of Boston, the community has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War and is the site of several historic properties. A portion of Hanscom Air Force Base also lies within the town. The violent crime rate in Bedford is 51.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .05%.
#21 North Andover
Located in Essex County, the town of North Andover is home to 28,300 residents. Just 25 miles north of Boston, the town is considered a suburban bedroom community and has such recreation sites as Steven’s Pond, Weir Hill, and the Harold Parker State Forest. The violent crime rate here is 52, and residents of North Andover have a 1.2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#22 Walpole
A town in Norfolk County, Walpole is home to 24,000 residents. Located 13 miles south of downtown Boston, the town is served by the Walpole Public School District and has many parks, the largest of which is its Francis William Bird Park. The violent crime rate in Walpole is 53.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.5%.
#23 Wrentham
Also located in Norfolk County, the town of Wrentham is home to 10,900 residents. Incorporated in 1673, the community borders Rhode Island to the south and is known as once being home to both Horace Mann and Helen Keller. The violent crime rate here is 53.9, and residents of Wrentham have a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#24 Winchester
A town in Middlesex County, Winchester is home to 21,300 residents. Just 8 miles north of downtown Boston, this suburban bedroom community sits near several bodies of water, including the Mystic Lakes and the Aberjona River. The violent crime rate in Winchester is 55.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is less than 1%.
#25 Holliston
Another town in Middlesex County, Holliston has a current population of 13,500 residents. Considered a western suburb of Boston, the town is home to several historic districts as well as the famous “balancing rock” on Route 16. The violent crime rate here is 57.9, and residents of Holliston have a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#26 Lynnfield
Located in Essex County, the town of Lynnfield is home to 11,500 residents. Considered a part of the North Shore region of the state, the community is known for its well-performing schools and is the home of dairy company HP Hood. The violent crime rate in Lynnfield is 59.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .08%.
#27 Wayland
A town in Middlesex County, Wayland is home to 13,400 residents. Incorporated in 1780, the community encompasses 15.9 square miles and has a public beach on Lake Cochituate. The violent crime rate here is 60.4, and residents of Wayland have just a .03% chance of being affected by property crime.
#28 Groton
Also located in Middlesex County, the town of Groton is home to 10,800 residents. The community is drained by the Squannacook and Nashua Rivers, is served by the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, and is home to two prep schools. The violent crime rate in Groton is 64.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is less than 1%.
#29 Clinton
A town in Worcester County, Clinton is home to 13,600 residents. The Nashua River runs through the town and the large Wachusett Reservoir is nearby. The community has a large central park and is also the home of the Museum of Russian Icons. The violent crime rate here is 65.3, and residents of Clinton have a .04% chance of being affected by property crime.
#30 Andover
Located in Essex County, the town of Andover is home to 33,200 residents. Considered a suburb of Boston, the community has several historic sites and is home to such companies as Raytheon and an IRS Service Center. The violent crime rate in Andover is 68.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is .08%.
#31 Longmeadow
A town in Hampden County, Longmeadow is home to 15,700 residents. Bordered on the west by the Connecticut River, the community is just 20 miles north of Hartford and is known for its vast conservation areas and wide range of wildlife. The violent crime rate here is 69, and residents of Longmeadow have a 1.2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#32 Concord
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Concord has a current population of 17,600 residents. Just 19 miles west of Boston, the community is best known as the home of such famous authors as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The violent crime rate in Concord is 72.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is .09%.
#33 Chelmsford
Another town in Middlesex County, Chelmsford is home to 33,800 residents. Located 24 miles northwest of Boston, the community sits adjacent to the city of Lowell and has been included on Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S. The violent crime rate here is 72.5, and residents of Chelmsford have a 1.5% chance of being affected by property crime.
#34 Belmont
Also in Middlesex County, the town of Belmont is home to 24,700 residents. The community sits adjacent to the city of Cambridge and is known for its distinct neighborhoods as well as its well-performing schools. The violent crime rate in Belmont is 75.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.1%.
#35 Hingham
Located in Plymouth County, the town of Hingham is home to 22,100 residents. Considered a part of Boston’s South Shore area, the community sits along the southwest corner of Boston Harbor, known as Hingham Bay. The headquarters of Talbots, Inc. is located here and is a major employer. The violent crime rate in here is 75.6, and residents of Hingham have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.
#36 Dedham
A town in Norfolk County, Dedham is home to 24,700 residents. Also the county seat, the community is located on the southwest side of Boston and is made up of eight distinct neighborhoods. The violent crime rate in Dedham is 75.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.4%.
#37 Braintree
Located in Norfolk County, Braintree is a city that is home to 35,700 residents. The community sits just south of Quincy and is home to several large companies, including TopSource LLC, Altra Industrial Motion, and Greater Media. The violent crime rate here is 82.6, and residents of Braintree have a 1.9% chance of being affected by property crime.
#38 Ashland
A town in Middlesex County, Ashland is home to 16,500 residents. Considered a part of the MetroWest region of the state, the community is known as the home of the electric clock and has been recognized nationally for its outstanding public schools. The violent crime rate in Ashland is 82.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .08%.
#39 Sharon
Located in Norfolk County, Sharon is home to 17,600 residents. Just 17 miles southwest of downtown Boston, the community includes Lake Massapoag, a popular boating and swimming destination, and has been included on CNNMoney’s list of best places to live in the U.S. The violent crime rate here is 83.8, and residents of Sharon have a .06% chance of being affected by property crime.
#40 Newton
A suburban city in Middlesex County, Newton is home to 85,100 residents. Located just 7 miles west of downtown Boston, the city is comprised of thirteen villages, including Chestnut Hill, which is home to Boston College. The violent crime rate in Newton is 87.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1%.
#41 Gloucester
Located on Cape Anne in Essex County, the city of Gloucester is home to 28,700 residents. Considered a part of the state’s North Shore, the community is a popular summer destination and a center for the local fishing industry. The violent crime rate here is 92.2, and residents of Gloucester have a 1.4% chance of being affected by property crime.
#42 Medway
A town in Norfolk County, Medway is home to 13,000 residents. Incorporated in 1713, the community sits along the banks of the Charles River, encompasses 11.5 square miles, and is served by the Medway Public School District. The violent crime rate in Medway is 92.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is less than 1%.
#43 Norwood
Also located in Norfolk County, the town of Norwood is home to 30,600 residents. The community sits on the Neponset River and is home to such companies as Analog Devices, Inc. and MEDITECH. The violent crime rate here is 96.4, and residents of Norwood have a 1.7% chance of being affected by property crime.
#44 Westborough
A town in Worcester County, Westborough is home to 18,200 residents. The community has many recreation areas for hiking, boating, and fishing, and has several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate in Westborough is 97.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1%.
#45 North Reading
Located in Middlesex County, the town of North Reading is home to 14,800 residents. Considered a suburb of Boston, this growing community has historic buildings and a new state of the art high school. Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 98.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in North Reading is just .09%.
#46 Milton
A town in Norfolk County, Milton is home to 27,000 residents. Considered an affluent suburb of Boston, the community has the highest percentage of residents claiming Irish heritage in the country and has been included on Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S. The violent crime rate in Milton is 102.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1%.
#47 Acton
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Acton is home to 21,900 residents. Just 21 miles northwest of Boston, this affluent community is known for its well-performing schools as has repeatedly been included on Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S. The violent crime rate here is 102.9, and residents of Acton have a 1% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#48 Lakeville
A town in Plymouth County, Lakeville is home to 10,600 residents. The community encompasses 36.1 square miles and is known for its system of lakes as well as being the home to the headquarters of Ocean Spray. The violent crime rate in Lakeville is 111.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2%.
#49 Northborough
Located in Worcester County, the town of Northborough is home to 14,100 residents. Incorporated in 1766, the community is part of Central Massachusetts, encompasses 18.8 square miles, and is served by the Northborough-Southborough School District. The violent crime rate here is 111.7, and residents of Northborough have a 1.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#50 Tyngsborough
A town in Middlesex County, Tyngsborough is home to 11,200 residents. Just 28 miles north of Boston, the community sits on the New Hampshire state line adjacent to the Merrimack River. The town is primarily a bedroom community to nearby Lowell and Nashua, NH. The violent crime rate in Tyngsborough is 112.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.2%.
