Massachusetts: Here Are the 5 Safest Cities in the State

How safe are the towns in Massachusetts? Safewise's recent report claims to have identified the five safest cities in the state. How safe are they? Well, four of these cities were in Safewise's top 10 in the country. It appears Massachusetts residents keep safety as a top priority. "Our 2023 State of Safety survey found that Massachusetts ranks the lowest in property crime out of all the states on our report," Safewise says.

To compile this report, Safewise looks at different crime categories. They include violent crime rates, property crime rates, gun violence, and package theft.

The five safest cities are:

At a population of almost 14,000, violent crime and property crimes rates were almost nothing. Wayland is roughly 15.9 square miles. This includes the 4.2% being water. Wayland is staying strong at the top, having claimed the number one rank in Massachusetts for the past two years in a row. It was also highlighted in Safewise's 2022 top 10 safest cities in the country, ranking number two. Waylland report zero property or violent crimes in the past year.

Clinton also has about 14,000 residents. Their property crime rates rank higher than Wayland. The Nashua River runs through Clinton and there is also the Wachusett Reservoir in the southern region. Clinton has the lowest median income of the five cities that ranked.

This fellow Worcester County city has the largest population on the list. Their property crime rate dropped significantly year-over-year. Equally as impressive is the fact that the residential population has doubled since 1960.

What's most incredible here is that Northborough jumped up 21 spots in a year. With a population of 15,000 people, their property crime rate dropped from a 5.8 rating to a 2.1 in just two years. The town population is very spread out, with almost 30% of residents being under the age of 18, and 10% are 65 or older.

Holden, another Worcester County town rounds out the top five. Both their property and violent rates are minimal. This is biggest region noted at 36.2 square miles. Holden reported less than five property crimes per thousand people, and less than one violent crime per thousand people.

Most of Massachusetts's safest cities lie in the central and northern region of the state. Package theft and violent crimes are the categories residents cared about most. 32% of residents reported using a home security system. It was the top form of property protection.

"Property crime rates have steadily dropped in the last three years from 11.8 per 1,000 to 10.5 to 2.5," Safewise concludes. Regardless of season, Massachusetts residents are proving to be quite comfortable in the Bay State.

North Shore, South Shore, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard. There certainly is no shortage of shoreline in the Bay State. Two Massachusetts towns were selected as a USA Today top 10 coastal town.

10 Best is USA Today's travel coverage series highlighting attractions, destinations, and food items around the county. They look for unique charm with homegrown flavors. Furthermore, they were looking for "waterfront charm." Not only is Massachusetts the home to two of the selections, but it was also the only state in the Northeast to get the nod. According to the final rankings, these two towns are both in the top five!

Provincetown and Marblehead are each considered a Massachusetts top coastal town. The tip of Cape Cod and North Shore shipyard landmark. 10Best calls out Provincetown's spread of galleries and museums as main attractions. In addition, Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary was listed as part of Marblehead's nature-friendly environment.

Looking at the history of these two summer hot spots, it's no surprise that their quaint appeal led them to landing on the top 10 coastal town list.

Provincetown is 17.5 miles of unique beachfront and harbor-side living. Often called P-Town, the year-round living population is roughly 3,600 people, while the seasonal population can reach as much as 60,000. Commercial Street is known for its Cabaret establishments, restaurants, and art shops.

Marblehead is about three hours north of Provincetown. You can actually take a boat back and forth. On a map it looks like these two destinations are staring at each other. Marblehead is about 19 square miles with a population of over 20,000. One of the main tourist attractions here are the numerous sailing options out of Marblehead harbor. Finally, it is infamous for its commercial fishing wharfs, thus there are also six yacht clubs spread throughout the area.