Massachusetts is known for its rich history, culture, and education, but it also has its share of crime and violence. According to the FBI data, the state had a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 people in 2020, which is lower than the national average of 367. However, some towns and cities in the state have much higher rates of violent crime, which include homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In this article, we will reveal which town in Massachusetts takes the crown for most violent, based on the latest statistics.
The Most Violent Town in Massachusetts: Fall River
Fall River is the 10th largest city in Massachusetts by population, with nearly 90,000 residents. It is also the most violent town in the state, with a staggering violent crime rate of 772 per 100,000 people in 2020. That means that one in every 130 people in Fall River was a victim of a violent crime that year. The city also had two homicides, which is relatively low compared to other cities, but still a cause for concern.
Fall River has a long history of industrialization and immigration, especially from Portugal and other European countries. It was once the leading textile manufacturing city in the US, producing 80% of the nation’s print cloth in the 1870s. However, the city’s economy declined in the 20th century, as many mills closed or moved away. The city also underwent major urban renewal projects in the 1960s, which demolished many historic buildings and landmarks. Today, Fall River faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence, which contribute to its high crime rate.
The Runner-Up: Holyoke
Holyoke is another former mill town that has struggled to adapt to the changing economy and society. It is the second most violent town in Massachusetts, with a violent crime rate of 739 per 100,000 people in 2020. The city also had eight homicides, which is the highest number among the towns and cities in the state. Holyoke has a population of about 40,000, which means that one in every 54 people was a victim of a violent crime that year.
Holyoke was once a major producer of paper, silk, and alpaca wool, thanks to its location on the Hadley Falls of the Connecticut River. It was also the first planned industrial city in the US, with a grid layout and a canal system to power the mills. However, the city’s fortunes declined in the second half of the 20th century, as many industries left or downsized. The city also faced social problems such as racial tensions, urban decay, and environmental pollution. Today, Holyoke is trying to revitalize its economy and culture, with initiatives such as the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, the Holyoke Innovation District, and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.
The Conclusion: What Can Be Done to Reduce Violence in Massachusetts?
Fall River and Holyoke are not the only towns and cities in Massachusetts that have high rates of violent crime. Other places such as Springfield, Brockton, New Bedford, and Lawrence also rank among the top 10 most dangerous places in the state. These places share some common factors, such as economic hardship, social inequality, and lack of opportunity, that fuel crime and violence. To reduce violence in Massachusetts, there is a need for more investment in education, health, housing, and employment, as well as more effective law enforcement and community engagement. By addressing the root causes of violence, the state can hope to create a safer and more prosperous future for all its residents.