Is Methuen or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Methuen is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 75/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 972 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 74% lower. Methuen has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Methuen has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 2.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Methuen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Methuen, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Methuen | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 972.1 | 3,728.2 | -2,756.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 175.8 | 892.7 | -716.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 9.2 | 47.0 | -37.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 166.6 | 624.5 | -457.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 796.4 | 2,835.5 | -2,039.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 47.6 | 313.8 | -266.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 682.9 | 1,856.7 | -1,173.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 65.9 | 665.0 | -599.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Methuen or Springfield safer?
Methuen is safer with a total crime rate of 972 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Methuen has a violent crime rate of 175.8 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Methuen has lower violent crime.
About Methuen, MA
Methuen, Massachusetts, once a mill town known for its hat factories, lies along the Merrimack River near the New Hampshire border. Its diverse population of over 50,000 residents contributes to its suburban character. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 54,623, Methuen has a total crime rate of 972.1 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.