Is Gardner or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gardner is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 76/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 949 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 75% lower. Gardner has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gardner has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 7.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gardner — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gardner, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gardner | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 948.9 | 3,728.2 | -2,779.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 328.8 | 892.7 | -563.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 28.2 | 47.0 | -18.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 4.7 | 209.0 | -204.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 295.9 | 624.5 | -328.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 620.1 | 2,835.5 | -2,215.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 89.3 | 313.8 | -224.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 474.5 | 1,856.7 | -1,382.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.4 | 665.0 | -608.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gardner or Springfield safer?
Gardner is safer with a total crime rate of 949 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gardner has a violent crime rate of 328.8 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Gardner has lower violent crime.
About Gardner, MA
Gardner, the "Chair City," is a small city in northern Worcester County, historically renowned for its furniture industry. Its population of around 21,000 residents is predominantly white, with a median age in the early 40s. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 21,288, Gardner has a total crime rate of 948.9 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.