Is Bellingham or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellingham is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 64/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 66% lower. Bellingham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bellingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 8.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellingham, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellingham | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,259.7 | 3,728.2 | -2,468.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.5 | 892.7 | -677.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 47.0 | -2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 209.0 | -186.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.2 | 624.5 | -475.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,044.3 | 2,835.5 | -1,791.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 66.3 | 313.8 | -247.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 917.2 | 1,856.7 | -939.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.8 | 665.0 | -604.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham or Springfield safer?
Bellingham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellingham has a violent crime rate of 215.5 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Bellingham has lower violent crime.
About Bellingham, MA
Bellingham, Massachusetts, a suburban town in southeastern Worcester County, was incorporated in 1719. It's home to roughly 19,000 residents and features a mix of residential areas and commercial zones along Route 126. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 18,099, Bellingham has a total crime rate of 1,259.7 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.