Is New Bedford or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bedford is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 49/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 54% lower. New Bedford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Bedford has a 63% lower rate.
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bedford, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bedford | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,712.4 | 3,728.2 | -2,015.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 353.2 | 892.7 | -539.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 10.9 | -4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 43.9 | 47.0 | -3.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.1 | 209.0 | -131.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.4 | 624.5 | -400.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,359.1 | 2,835.5 | -1,476.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.4 | 313.8 | -129.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 930.8 | 1,856.7 | -925.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 243.9 | 665.0 | -421.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bedford or Springfield safer?
New Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bedford has a violent crime rate of 353.2 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. New Bedford has lower violent crime.
About New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 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.