Springfield MA vs Tucson AZ — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Springfield, MA
Massachusetts · Population: 154,751
- Median HH Income$51,339
- Median Home Price$298,985
- Unemployment8.2%
- Bachelor's+19.7%
Tucson, AZ
Arizona · Population: 543,348
- Median HH Income$54,546
- Median Home Price$324,946
- Unemployment6.4%
- Bachelor's+30.2%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Springfield
154,751
Tucson
543,348
Tucson +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Springfield
N/A
Tucson
N/A
Median Age
Springfield
33.7
Springfield +
Tucson
34.6
Foreign Born
Springfield
10.2%
Tucson
13.7%
Tucson +
White
Springfield
40.8%
Tucson
58.2%
Tucson +
Black
Springfield
20.0%
Springfield +
Tucson
5.0%
Asian
Springfield
2.8%
Tucson
3.1%
Tucson +
Hispanic
Springfield
47.4%
Springfield +
Tucson
42.7%
Spanish at Home
Springfield
N/A
Tucson
N/A
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 543,348 | Tucson + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 33.7 | 34.6 | Springfield + |
| Foreign Born | 10.2% | 13.7% | Tucson + |
| White | 40.8% | 58.2% | Tucson + |
| Black | 20.0% | 5.0% | Springfield + |
| Asian | 2.8% | 3.1% | Tucson + |
| Hispanic | 47.4% | 42.7% | Springfield + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Springfield
$51,339
Tucson
$54,546
Tucson +
Per Capita Income
Springfield
$27,054
Tucson
$31,152
Tucson +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Springfield
$85,405
Springfield +
Tucson
$59,120
Unemployment Rate
Springfield
8.2%
Tucson
6.4%
Tucson +
Poverty Rate
Springfield
25.3%
Tucson
18.8%
Tucson +
Bachelor's Degree+
Springfield
19.7%
Tucson
30.2%
Tucson +
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,339 | $54,546 | Tucson + |
| Per Capita Income | $27,054 | $31,152 | Tucson + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $85,405 | $59,120 | Springfield + |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.2% | 6.4% | Tucson + |
| Poverty Rate | 25.3% | 18.8% | Tucson + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.7% | 30.2% | Tucson + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Springfield
$298,985
Springfield +
Tucson
$324,946
Homeownership Rate
Springfield
49.5%
Tucson
51.7%
Tucson +
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $298,985 | $324,946 | Springfield + |
| Homeownership Rate | 49.5% | 51.7% | Tucson + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Springfield
326
Springfield +
Tucson
450
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Springfield
1086
Springfield +
Tucson
2150
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 326 | 450 | Springfield + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1086 | 2150 | Springfield + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Springfield
39.6%
Tucson
33.5%
Tucson +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Springfield
14.8%
Tucson
11.5%
Tucson +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Springfield
21.1%
Tucson
18.3%
Tucson +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Springfield
13.7%
Springfield +
Tucson
15.7%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Springfield
15.1%
Tucson
14.6%
Tucson +
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Springfield
17.5%
Tucson
12.5%
Tucson +
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 39.6% | 33.5% | Tucson + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 14.8% | 11.5% | Tucson + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 21.1% | 18.3% | Tucson + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 13.7% | 15.7% | Springfield + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 15.1% | 14.6% | Tucson + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 17.5% | 12.5% | Tucson + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Springfield
N/A
Tucson
69.8°F
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Springfield
N/A
Tucson
12.2 in
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | N/A | 69.8°F | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | N/A | 12.2 in | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Springfield
7.2 µg/m³
Tucson
7.1 µg/m³
Tucson +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Springfield
75.0%
Tucson
75.0%
Tie
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 7.2 µg/m³ | 7.1 µg/m³ | Tucson + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 75.0% | 75.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Springfield
22.6 min
Springfield +
Tucson
23.9 min
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Tucson, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.6 min | 23.9 min | Springfield + |
Which City is Right for You?
Tucson leads in median household income at $54,546, while springfield offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $298,985. On public safety, Springfield is safer with a violent crime rate of 326 per 100,000 residents, compared to 450 in Tucson. Tucson has a lower unemployment rate at 6.4%, and Tucson has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.1 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Tucson scores better with a lower obesity rate of 33.5%.
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