Is Acton or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Acton is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 95/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 416 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 89% lower. Acton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Acton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 6.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Acton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Acton, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Acton | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 416.2 | 3,728.2 | -3,312.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 65.3 | 892.7 | -827.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 10.9 | -6.9 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 47.0 | -34.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 49.0 | 624.5 | -575.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 350.9 | 2,835.5 | -2,484.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.5 | 313.8 | -236.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 261.2 | 1,856.7 | -1,595.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 12.2 | 665.0 | -652.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acton or Springfield safer?
Acton is safer with a total crime rate of 416 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Acton has a violent crime rate of 65.3 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Acton has lower violent crime.
About Acton, MA
Acton, a Middlesex County town established in 1735, boasts a rich history including Minutemen participation. Located about 20 miles west-northwest of Boston, it is primarily residential with a highly educated population. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 24,506, Acton has a total crime rate of 416.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Springfield, MA
Springfield, Massachusetts, a city on the Connecticut River, is the "City of Firsts," notably home to the invention of basketball. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents reflects a rich industrial past and a vibrant present as an economic hub. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 155,491, Springfield has a total crime rate of 3,728.2 per 100,000 residents.