Is Arlington or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arlington is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 92/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 490 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 87% lower. Arlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 3.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arlington, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arlington | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 489.8 | 3,728.2 | -3,238.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 55.4 | 892.7 | -837.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 10.7 | 47.0 | -36.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 44.7 | 624.5 | -579.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 434.5 | 2,835.5 | -2,401.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 59.6 | 313.8 | -254.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 338.6 | 1,856.7 | -1,518.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.2 | 665.0 | -628.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Springfield safer?
Arlington is safer with a total crime rate of 490 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arlington has a violent crime rate of 55.4 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Arlington has lower violent crime.
About Arlington, MA
Arlington, MA, a historic suburb northwest of Boston, was once home to Uncle Sam. This densely populated town of over 46,000 residents features a mix of residential areas and commercial centers along Massachusetts Avenue. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 46,956, Arlington has a total crime rate of 489.8 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.