Is Springfield or Wellesley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wellesley is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 91/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 532 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 86% lower. Springfield has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wellesley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Springfield is 4.9x 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
Wellesley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield, MA
Wellesley, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Springfield | Wellesley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,728.2 | 531.7 | +3,196.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 892.7 | 46.9 | +845.8 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 0.0 | +10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 47.0 | 9.4 | +37.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.0 | 0.0 | +209.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 624.5 | 37.5 | +586.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,835.5 | 484.8 | +2,350.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.8 | 65.7 | +248.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.7 | 378.4 | +1,478.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 665.0 | 40.7 | +624.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield or Wellesley safer?
Wellesley is safer with a total crime rate of 532 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Springfield has a violent crime rate of 892.7 per 100K while Wellesley has 46.9. Wellesley 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 Wellesley, MA
Wellesley, a affluent Boston suburb known for Wellesley College, occupies a tree-lined landscape with a median household income exceeding $200,000. Its population of around 29,000 residents reflects a highly educated community, with over 80% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 31,973, Wellesley has a total crime rate of 531.7 per 100,000 residents.