Is Charlton or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charlton is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 94/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 453 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 88% lower. Charlton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charlton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 11.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charlton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlton, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlton | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 453.5 | 3,728.2 | -3,274.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 117.0 | 892.7 | -775.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 14.6 | 47.0 | -32.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 102.4 | 624.5 | -522.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 336.5 | 2,835.5 | -2,499.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 58.5 | 313.8 | -255.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 219.4 | 1,856.7 | -1,637.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 58.5 | 665.0 | -606.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlton or Springfield safer?
Charlton is safer with a total crime rate of 453 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlton has a violent crime rate of 117.0 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Charlton has lower violent crime.
About Charlton, MA
Charlton, Massachusetts, a rural town in Worcester County, is home to a portion of the historic Old Sturbridge Village. Its forested landscape and low population density define much of its character. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 13,672, Charlton has a total crime rate of 453.5 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.