Is Needham or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Needham is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 85/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 81% lower. Needham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Needham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 4.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Needham, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Needham | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 698.6 | 3,728.2 | -3,029.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.9 | 892.7 | -840.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 47.0 | -34.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.7 | 624.5 | -584.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 646.8 | 2,835.5 | -2,188.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 73.2 | 313.8 | -240.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 536.9 | 1,856.7 | -1,319.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.6 | 665.0 | -628.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Needham or Springfield safer?
Needham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Needham has a violent crime rate of 51.9 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Needham has lower violent crime.
About Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 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.