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C-

Is Cambridge, Massachusetts Safe?

Population 122,588 · Safer than 27% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

A C- grade for Cambridge means there's room for concern. The 234.4 per-thousand crime rate and violent crime below the national average tell the story. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,855 per 100K.

Cambridge Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricCambridgeMassachusetts AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate232.5323.7363.8
Property Crime Rate2111.32004.41,832.3
Murder Rate5.0--5.7
Assault Rate155.0--268.2
Theft Rate1855.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate424.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyC-

234.4 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeB-

233/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD+

2111/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Cambridge

Violent crime in Cambridge is below the national average. The rate of 232.5 per 100K falls below the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2111.3 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,855 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Cambridge Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder5
088% of avgAvg: 5.7
Assault155
058% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery59
093% of avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary340
01.3x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,855
01.3x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft424
01.3x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Cambridge Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Cambridge
232.5
State
323.7
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Cambridge
2111.3
State
2004.4
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cambridge Safety

Is Cambridge safe?
Not especially. Cambridge earns a C- with a crime rate of 234.4 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs below the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Cambridge?
234.4 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 232.5 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2111.3 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Cambridge safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Cambridge's C- grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,855 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Cambridge?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Cambridge generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Cambridge police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Cambridge?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Cambridge's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a C- grade overall.
How does Cambridge compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Below average for the state. Cambridge ranks behind about 65% of Massachusetts cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.2x the national rate.
How safe is Cambridge to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is below the national average, which is encouraging. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Cambridge?
Bad. A C- grade and 234.4 per-thousand rate put Cambridge below 73% of US cities. Violent crime at 233 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Cambridge?
232.5 per 100,000, which is 36% below the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (155), robbery (59), and murder (5.0) per 100,000.

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

Similar-sized communities in Massachusetts. Compare crime rates across the state.

D+
See crime rates in Lowell119,971 pop · Grade D+
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See crime rates in Brockton106,134 pop · Grade D-
C
See crime rates in Lynn104,236 pop · Grade C
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See crime rates in New Bedford101,834 pop · Grade D-
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See crime rates in Fall River95,298 pop · Grade C
View all Massachusetts city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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