Is Plymouth Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

When you set foot in Plymouth, Massachusetts, you’re walking in the footsteps of Mayflower pilgrims who first docked here in 1620.

Plymouth is in the South Shore region outside of Boston, and it’s less than an hour’s drive to the big city.

You are also close to Cape Cod in this coastal community.

Whether you want to celebrate Thanksgiving where the first Thanksgiving was held centuries ago or are looking for a summer getaway, coastal Massachusetts offers many options.

While there’s a head-spinning number of historical things to see and do here, you shouldn’t miss out on other novelties here, like the impressive cranberry farming tours, whaling experiences, or lighthouses.

You might notice during your research that Plymouth is spelled in various ways, such as the Plimoth Patuxet Museum.

It looks like a typo, but it’s actually just an adaption from the many ways people wrote four hundred years ago – before there were a dictionary and spelling rules.

It was common for each person to write a name phonetically.

The name of the city and county is correctly spelled Plymouth.

From ghost tours to Mayflower boat rides to a pilgrim village to magnificent mansions, there’s plenty to do to fill up a few days in this town or even a great day trip for those visiting Boston.

Warnings & Dangers in Plymouth

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, with almost every category falling well below national averages. Given that it has stood for centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction, you can bet the utmost is done to keep you safe. That will require you to use standard safety measures, too, especially since it's easy to get distracted here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Rides can get you anywhere you want to go, including a ferry across Cape Cod Bay to Provincetown. MBTA has commuter rail service year-round to get to Boston and other Plymouth County cities. Electric vehicle rides are available in the same fashion as you'd use a taxi. Shuttles and bus services are available from Boston Logan Airport and T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Two purse snatchings were reported in 2021, which is low considering how many people visit here. While the risk is statistically low, the potential is higher. You'll need to limit what you bring and avoid wearing valuables.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Winter storms are one of the biggest risks here, bringing snow, ice, and storm surge or flooding. Severe thunderstorms can happen during warmer months, and the hurricane season from June through November should be on your radar to check the tropic movements before you arrive.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Just six robberies were reported in 2021, and they were all either home or business robberies. There was no single incident of a person being robbed on the street.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

As cherished as this spot is in American history, there's a low risk it would be a target. Nearby Boston would be a harder target since it has a large population and some valuable assets for American businesses and distributions. Port security will always be a concern, but it will also come with abundant safety protocols.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office lists the most common scams, but every one of those risks is common nationwide. You should always watch out in tourist places for performance artists or people in costumes offering interaction and then expecting a tip.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk for women here with plenty of activities in safe places that keep you busy and entertained. Ocean and beach safety are critical here; you should never venture out into the water or wilderness area alone. Don't walk alone at night; if you want to explore Haunted Plymouth, do so on a ghost tour instead of going solo.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

There's a low risk as the 2021 Water Quality Report shows full compliance. One violation was noted, but it was a reporting error, and the water quality was never at risk. Check water quality statuses during and after severe weather or tropical storms, as that's when a breach is most likely to happen.

Safest Places to Visit in Plymouth

SeePlymouth.com is the official website of the city, county, and tourism-related organizations.

The website does include information about Plymouth town and county but also includes other regional attractions, such as the Salem Witch Museum, which is 90 minutes away in Salem, Massachusetts.

The Plimoth Patuxet Museums include several unique opportunities to learn about history.

Historic Patuxet honors the indigenous people of the land before the pilgrims arrived.

The 17th Century English Village shows you how the Pilgrims lived after settling here.

A grist mill gives you insight into how the Pilgrims started providing for themselves, while the Mayflower II offers an exact replica of the original ship.

A craft center allows you to make trinkets and potions, just like the Pilgrims did in the 17th century.

Plymouth Rock is one of the most notable attractions here, as it symbolizes the first step taken onto the land once the Mayflower docked.

Is it the same rock?

You’ll have to learn the different versions of that answer when you’re there.

Oh, and there’s a big effort now to have people “Talk to the Rock,” so don’t be surprised if you see that happen or feel tempted to do it yourself.

The “Talk to the Rock” promotional campaign has me laughing in stitches.

You can see those on the website, too.

Ghost tours are available with several tiers to choose from.

You can walk the streets and hear ghost stories, go through two haunted houses that are so popular they made the Travel Channel in 2022, or take a sunset cemetery tour.

Walking tours that focus on history instead of haunting are also available.

About 40 minutes north in Scituate, the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail tells the story of Irish immigrants who had a special fondness for the Massachusetts coastline.

Back in Plymouth, the Plymouth Harbor Breakwater (also known as “The Jetty”) is more than half a mile long into the bay waters.

You’ll need to use extra caution here, as a wooden bridge to the jetty is about the only solid footing you’ll get on the trek.

The rest of the breakwater is large boulders with deep spaces in between.

Even the metal rope used to balance you out won’t do much good if you aren’t paying attention.

Plymouth Beach is a barrier island that sticks out in the bay, with a mix of rocks and sand on a narrow piece of land.

Visitors can access the beach but will have to pay $20 per person to access it.

White Horse Beach is reserved for resident parking only, and guest passes are only attainable for those who know a resident.

Places to Avoid in Plymouth

With so many areas designated for tourists, you won’t run into a place that’s too dangerous to visit.

You won’t have a reason to go into the neighborhoods unless you know someone there, so stick to the main streets to avoid any resident frustration.

Some locations look like fun on the map, but then doing research makes it seem less fun.

Duxbury Beach, for example, has a lighthouse and a long stretch of beach.

However, it’s a 45-minute drive (without traffic) to get there, and then a series of parking rules for non-residents.

Once you get past that, you’ll still need a 4X4 vehicle to drive on the road to the beach.

The Gurnet Lighthouse is at the island’s tip but is not open for tours.

You don’t need to avoid those places that are a little more challenging to get to, but you should do ample research.

Even giving you information for this article required some in-depth research to ensure it was a publicly accessible area.

Avoid parking on any residential streets if you don’t have a permit.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Plymouth

So... How Safe Is Plymouth Really?

Plymouth remains a safe community, but violent crime is still on the rise even with the low crime rates.

In 2016, there were 93 violent crimes reported, compared to 186 in 2021.

A continued increase in that nature would put the city above the national rate in the next five years.

27% of violent crimes happen against strangers, lowering your risk.

52% of the thefts reported here are shoplifting, and car break-ins aren’t as prevalent as in other communities.

That is likely due to the number of people who use public and private transportation options.

While the historical features bring the main draw here, you should still respect all the risks of the sea, beach, and sun in the resort areas of this community.

Crime rates can also change by city.

For example, Brocktown, about 45 minutes from Plymouth, has more than twice the violent crime risk as Plymouth.

Plymouth has seen an increase in drug overdoses, so avoid taking drugs from anyone on the street.

Even a Xanax pill from a random person could be loaded with a deadly dose of Fentanyl.

If you’ll need medication while you’re here, confirm your health coverage or buy supplemental coverage before you arrive.

How Does Plymouth Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You'll need a valid passport and U.S. Visa to get through Customs at the airport or the port of entry. You should plan several months for that process, as it has several steps required for approval.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here, and if you exchange currency in your home country, you'll pay lower fees. Cash is optional, as even the beach parking areas take credit cards.

Weather

This is a four-season community, and winters will require full outerwear with warm accessories. Bring snow boots and hiking boots for the parks and trails. Spring and fall will fluctuate in temperature, but bring various layers of clothing, so you can easily adapt. Summers will be warm, but you'll need bug spray and sunscreen. You'll do a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.

Airports

Plymouth has a private airport, but you can get to the major airports in Boston or Providence, Rhode Island, in about an hour. Plan for more time if you're traveling during a holiday or during high-volume traffic times of the day.

Travel Insurance

We recommend travel insurance, especially for such a huge tourist destination. Not only will insurance cover weather delays or cancelations, but you'll also get reimbursed for pre-purchased attractions or tours. Mass.gov has a Travel Insurance section to help you select the right plan for a trip to this state.

Plymouth Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Massachusetts - Safety by City