Springfield, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Springfield, MA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Springfield is 39.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 1337 violent crimes reported in Springfield, equivalent to 862 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 133.2%. Additionally, Springfield recorded 3674 property crimes, amounting to 2370 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 21.3%.

Springfield is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 862 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Springfield is 1 in 116.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Springfield?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Springfield. Based on the results of the surveys (102 responses), 16% of people felt that there was very little crime in Springfield and felt safe walking alone at night. While 84% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Springfield a Safe Place to Live?

Is Springfield a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Springfield has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 39%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 13.73 daily incidents, encompassing 3.66 violent crimes and 10.07 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Springfield as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Springfield Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Springfield has decreased by 0.7%. 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 7.5%, while property crime has decreased by 2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Springfield is a safe place to live.

Springfield Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 17 different neighborhoods in the Springfield area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Springfield include East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres and East Springfield. While Metro Center, Bay and Old Hill have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Springfield

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Springfield, the cost of living is 1.45% higher than the national average.

In Springfield, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.67 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Springfield is $162,900, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Springfield crime map