Is Fitchburg or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fitchburg is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 46/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 51% lower. Fitchburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fitchburg has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 3.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fitchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fitchburg, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fitchburg | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,830.8 | 3,728.2 | -1,897.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 486.6 | 892.7 | -406.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 10.9 | -8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 40.2 | 47.0 | -6.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.4 | 209.0 | -173.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 408.7 | 624.5 | -215.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,344.1 | 2,835.5 | -1,491.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.7 | 313.8 | -42.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 952.0 | 1,856.7 | -904.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.5 | 665.0 | -544.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fitchburg or Springfield safer?
Fitchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fitchburg has a violent crime rate of 486.6 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Fitchburg has lower violent crime.
About Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg, a city in northern Worcester County, was a major mill town known for its paper industry. It sits along the Nashua River and has a diverse, working-class population. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 42,332, Fitchburg has a total crime rate of 1,830.8 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.