Is Medford or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Medford is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 61/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 63% lower. Medford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 2.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.2 | 3,728.2 | -2,349.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 179.5 | 892.7 | -713.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.8 | 47.0 | -25.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.5 | 209.0 | -185.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.2 | 624.5 | -490.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,199.6 | 2,835.5 | -1,635.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.2 | 313.8 | -236.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,006.7 | 1,856.7 | -850.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.8 | 665.0 | -549.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Springfield safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 179.5 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 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.