Is Palmer or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palmer is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 76/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 949 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 75% lower. Palmer has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Palmer has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 12.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Palmer — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Palmer, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Palmer | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 949.4 | 3,728.2 | -2,778.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 375.0 | 892.7 | -517.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 31.9 | 47.0 | -15.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 343.1 | 624.5 | -281.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 574.4 | 2,835.5 | -2,261.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 119.7 | 313.8 | -194.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 375.0 | 1,856.7 | -1,481.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 79.8 | 665.0 | -585.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palmer or Springfield safer?
Palmer is safer with a total crime rate of 949 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 375.0 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Palmer has lower violent crime.
About Palmer, MA
Palmer, Massachusetts, a rural town in Hampden County, is known for its "Four Corners" where four distinct villages meet. Historically, it was a significant railroad hub, once home to a major roundhouse and repair shop. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 12,534, Palmer has a total crime rate of 949.4 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.