| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cambridge/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,711 | n/a (estimate) | 3,081 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 41 | n/a | 34.0 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 110 | n/a | 91.3 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 375 | n/a | 311.3 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 526 | n/a (estimate) | 437 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 285 | n/a | 236.6 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,798 | n/a | 2,323.0 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 102 | n/a | 84.7 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,185 | n/a (estimate) | 2,644 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 Cambridge is 45.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 526 violent crimes reported in Cambridge, equivalent to 437 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.6%. Additionally, Cambridge recorded 3185 property crimes, amounting to 2644 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 50.2%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Cambridge reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Cambridge residents. Out of the respondents (37 in total), 57% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Cambridge were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 43% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Cambridge is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Cambridge has an overall crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 10.17 daily occurrences, comprising 1.44 violent crimes and 8.73 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Cambridge as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Cambridge. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Cambridge has increased by 35.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 41.4%, while property crimes have increased by 34.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Cambridge, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 11 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Cambridge are areas such as Aggasiz-Harvard, Neighborhood 9 and Cambridgeport, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Mid-Cambridge, Area Iv and Wellington-Harrington are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Cambridge has a poverty rate of 12, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Cambridge has a population density of 19000.1 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 Cambridge crime rates.
In Cambridge, the average rental rates are $3,428 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Cambridge | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 308 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| West Concord, MA | 7,498 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Cambridge, MA | 121,456 | 437 | 2,644 | 3,081 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richardson, TX | 121,339 | 147 | 1,834 | 1,980 |
| Rochester, MN | 121,687 | 154 | 1,368 | 1,522 |
| Evansville, IN | 121,758 | 1,206 | 3,679 | 4,885 |
| Fairfield, CA | 121,000 | 498 | 1,686 | 2,184 |
| Independence, MO | 120,977 | 571 | 3,524 | 4,095 |
| Cambridge, MA | 121,456 | 437 | 2,644 | 3,081 |
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