Is Springfield or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 89/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 84% lower. Springfield has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 5.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield, MA
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Springfield | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,728.2 | 584.0 | +3,144.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 892.7 | 174.9 | +717.8 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 0.0 | +10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 47.0 | 56.0 | -9.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.0 | 7.0 | +202.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 624.5 | 111.9 | +512.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,835.5 | 409.2 | +2,426.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.8 | 45.5 | +268.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.7 | 293.8 | +1,562.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 665.0 | 69.9 | +595.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Springfield has a violent crime rate of 892.7 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield has lower violent crime.
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.
About Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.