Is Springfield or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 40/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 46% lower. Springfield has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 4.3x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield, MA
Watertown, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Springfield | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,728.2 | 2,012.0 | +1,716.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 892.7 | 153.3 | +739.4 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 0.0 | +10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 47.0 | 25.1 | +21.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.0 | 8.4 | +200.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 624.5 | 119.8 | +504.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,835.5 | 1,858.7 | +976.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.8 | 53.0 | +260.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.7 | 1,780.7 | +76.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 665.0 | 25.1 | +639.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Springfield has a violent crime rate of 892.7 per 100K while Watertown has 153.3. Watertown 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 Watertown, MA
Watertown, a historic Middlesex County town, sits along the Charles River just west of Boston. It was home to the Perkins School for the Blind, where Helen Keller studied. The town has a diverse population, including a notable Armenian community. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 35,885, Watertown has a total crime rate of 2,012.0 per 100,000 residents.