Is Athol or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athol is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 67/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,184 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 68% lower. Athol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Athol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 12.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athol, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athol | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,183.7 | 3,728.2 | -2,544.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 452.1 | 892.7 | -440.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 47.0 | +10.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 394.6 | 624.5 | -229.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 731.6 | 2,835.5 | -2,103.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 106.9 | 313.8 | -207.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 616.5 | 1,856.7 | -1,240.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 8.2 | 665.0 | -656.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athol or Springfield safer?
Athol is safer with a total crime rate of 1,184 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athol has a violent crime rate of 452.1 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Athol has lower violent crime.
About Athol, MA
Athol, "Tool Town," is a small manufacturing community in north-central Massachusetts, bisected by the Millers River. Its population of around 9,000 has seen a slight decline in recent decades. The town once boasted a thriving shoe industry. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 12,165, Athol has a total crime rate of 1,183.7 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.