| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Springfield/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,795 | n/a (estimate) | 3,727 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 17 | n/a | 10.9 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 73 | n/a | 46.9 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 325 | n/a | 209.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 971 | n/a | 624.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,386 | n/a (estimate) | 891 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 488 | n/a | 313.8 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,887 | n/a | 1,856.7 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,034 | n/a | 665.0 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,409 | n/a (estimate) | 2,836 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Springfield crime rate is higher than the national average by 75.9%. Specifically, there were 1386 violent crimes in Springfield, equivalent to 891 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 148.2%. Furthermore, Springfield recorded 4409 property crimes, amounting to 2836 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 61.1%.
Springfield ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 891 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Springfield stand at 1 in every 113 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Springfield stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Springfield, a total of 17 murders were reported, equating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
With a total of 1034 vehicle thefts last year, Springfield has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 665 per 100,000 people. This lands Springfield in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 151.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Springfield residents. Out of the respondents (107 in total), 15% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Springfield were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 85% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Springfield, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Springfield presents a total crime rate that is 76% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Springfield experiences an average of 15.88 daily crimes, comprising 3.8 violent incidents and 12.08 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Springfield has increased by 14.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Springfield, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 4.1%, while property crime has increased by 22.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Springfield is a safe place to live.
The Springfield region comprises an array of over 17 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Springfield are exemplars such as East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres and East Springfield, whereas Metro Center, Bay and South End grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
Springfield has a population density of 4922.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Springfield crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Springfield, 70.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Springfield are $1,351, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Springfield | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 413 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Granby, CT | 1,470 | 29 | 295 | 324 |
| Granby, MA | 1,221 | 50 | 298 | 347 |
| Crystal Lake, CT | 2,632 | 33 | 328 | 360 |
| Russell, MA | 678 | 181 | 241 | 422 |
| Salmon Brook, CT | 2,401 | 41 | 413 | 454 |
| Suffield Depot, CT | 2,068 | 42 | 425 | 467 |
| Somers, CT | 2,403 | 48 | 478 | 525 |
| Springfield, MA | 156,858 | 891 | 2,836 | 3,727 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pomona, CA | 156,853 | 716 | 2,753 | 3,469 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 157,266 | 245 | 1,909 | 2,154 |
| Kansas City, KS | 156,337 | 1,047 | 3,606 | 4,654 |
| Hollywood, FL | 157,605 | 209 | 1,114 | 1,323 |
| Pasadena, TX | 157,942 | 566 | 2,352 | 2,918 |
| Springfield, MA | 156,858 | 891 | 2,836 | 3,727 |
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