Is Boston or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boston is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 25/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 29% lower. Boston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boston has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 4.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 3,728.2 | -1,078.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 892.7 | -264.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 10.9 | -7.3 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 47.0 | -21.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 209.0 | -82.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 624.5 | -152.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,835.5 | -813.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 313.8 | -136.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,856.7 | -169.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 665.0 | -508.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Springfield safer?
Boston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Boston has lower violent crime.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 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.