Is Bedford or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bedford is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 93/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 457 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 88% lower. Bedford has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bedford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 10.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bedford, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bedford | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 457.1 | 3,728.2 | -3,271.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 13.6 | 892.7 | -879.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 10.9 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 47.0 | -47.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 0.0 | 624.5 | -624.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 443.4 | 2,835.5 | -2,392.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 40.9 | 313.8 | -272.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 375.2 | 1,856.7 | -1,481.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 27.3 | 665.0 | -637.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford or Springfield safer?
Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 457 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 13.6 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Bedford has lower violent crime.
About Bedford, MA
Bedford, MA, home to Hanscom Air Force Base and a significant tech industry presence, sits northwest of Boston. This Middlesex County town, a bedroom community, maintains a suburban character with a notable historical district. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 14,659, Bedford has a total crime rate of 457.1 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.