Is Salem or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 49/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,706 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 54% lower. Salem has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salem has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Salem | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,706.0 | 3,728.2 | -2,022.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 152.3 | 892.7 | -740.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 13.1 | 47.0 | -33.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.8 | 209.0 | -174.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 104.5 | 624.5 | -520.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,553.7 | 2,835.5 | -1,281.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 106.6 | 313.8 | -207.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,347.0 | 1,856.7 | -509.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 100.1 | 665.0 | -564.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem or Springfield safer?
Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 1,706 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Salem has a violent crime rate of 152.3 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Salem has lower violent crime.
About Salem, MA
Salem, Massachusetts, renowned for the 1692 witch trials, is a small coastal city north of Boston. Its population is approximately 45,000, with a significant portion employed in tourism and education. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 45,955, Salem has a total crime rate of 1,706.0 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.