Is North Reading or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Reading is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 93/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 87% lower. North Reading has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 9.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Reading, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Reading | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 471.8 | 3,728.2 | -3,256.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 66.5 | 892.7 | -826.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 6.1 | 47.0 | -40.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.1 | 209.0 | -203.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.4 | 624.5 | -570.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 405.3 | 2,835.5 | -2,430.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 48.4 | 313.8 | -265.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 338.8 | 1,856.7 | -1,517.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 18.2 | 665.0 | -646.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Reading or Springfield safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Reading has a violent crime rate of 66.5 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. North Reading has lower violent crime.
About North Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 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.