Is Chelmsford or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 65/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 66% lower. Chelmsford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield 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.
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 3,728.2 | -2,478.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 892.7 | -770.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 47.0 | -30.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 209.0 | -206.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 624.5 | -521.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 2,835.5 | -1,707.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 313.8 | -197.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 1,856.7 | -881.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 665.0 | -629.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or Springfield safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Chelmsford has lower violent crime.
About Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 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.