Is Pittsfield or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsfield is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 48/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,751 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 53% lower. Pittsfield has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Pittsfield has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pittsfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsfield, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsfield | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,750.9 | 3,728.2 | -1,977.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 511.3 | 892.7 | -381.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 10.9 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 98.1 | 47.0 | +51.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.0 | 209.0 | -181.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 380.5 | 624.5 | -243.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,239.6 | 2,835.5 | -1,595.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 385.2 | 313.8 | +71.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 756.4 | 1,856.7 | -1,100.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 98.1 | 665.0 | -566.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsfield or Springfield safer?
Pittsfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,751 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsfield has a violent crime rate of 511.3 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Pittsfield has lower violent crime.
About Pittsfield, MA
Pittsfield, nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, is the county seat of Berkshire County. Herman Melville wrote "Moby Dick" here. Its population is approximately 42,000. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 42,835, Pittsfield has a total crime rate of 1,750.9 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.