Is Reading or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Reading is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 90/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 572 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 85% lower. Reading has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 6.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Reading | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 572.1 | 3,728.2 | -3,156.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 38.7 | 892.7 | -854.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 15.5 | 47.0 | -31.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 209.0 | -209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 23.2 | 624.5 | -601.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 533.4 | 2,835.5 | -2,302.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.3 | 313.8 | -236.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 436.8 | 1,856.7 | -1,419.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 19.3 | 665.0 | -645.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reading or Springfield safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 572 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Reading has a violent crime rate of 38.7 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Reading has lower violent crime.
About Reading, MA
Reading, a Middlesex County town north of Boston, boasts a rich history, including the Parker Tavern, one of the oldest buildings in the US. With a population exceeding 25,000, it's a commuter-friendly community. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 25,871, Reading has a total crime rate of 572.1 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.