Is Cambridge Safe?
With an overall crime index of 133, Cambridge has a 33% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 181. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like West Cambridge earning an A grade while Kendall Square rates C-.
Crime Index Comparison
Cambridge
Massachusetts Avg
National Avg
100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.
Crime Index
133
33% above average
Violent Crime
138
38% above average
Property Crime
141
41% above average
Safe Areas
67%
Neighborhoods rated A or B
Your chance of violent crime in Cambridge
1 in 181
Property crime: 1 in 177
Where Is It Safe in Cambridge?
Safest Neighborhoods
1
A
2
A-
3
A-
4
A-
5
B+
6
B+
7
B
8
B-
9
B-
10
B-
West Cambridge
Median income: $160,869
Harvard Square
Median income: $95,269
Agassiz
Median income: $125,488
MIT
Median income: $79,104
Cambridge Highlands
Median income: $105,379
Peabody / Neighborhood Nine
Median income: $106,409
Mid-Cambridge
Median income: $96,037
Cambridgeport
Median income: $94,092
Wellington-Harrington
Median income: $77,114
East Cambridge
Median income: $91,159
Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address
Cambridge Crime Breakdown
Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 56% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 16% above avg
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder Violent | 145 | ▲ 45% | |
| Assault Violent | 141 | ▲ 41% | |
| Robbery Violent | 130 | ▲ 30% | |
| Burglary Property | 116 | ▲ 16% | |
| Larceny / Theft Property | 156 | ▲ 56% | |
| Vehicle Theft Property | 152 | ▲ 52% |
Violent vs Property Crime
Neighborhood Safety Distribution
All Cambridge Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Cambridge | A | 105 |
| 2 | Harvard Square | A- | 79 |
| 3 | Agassiz | A- | 74 |
| 4 | MIT | A- | 52 |
| 5 | Cambridge Highlands | B+ | 114 |
| 6 | Peabody / Neighborhood Nine | B+ | 138 |
| 7 | Mid-Cambridge | B | 165 |
| 8 | Cambridgeport | B- | 143 |
| 9 | Wellington-Harrington | B- | 154 |
| 10 | East Cambridge | B- | 179 |
| 11 | Riverside | C+ | 148 |
| 12 | North Cambridge | C+ | 144 |
| 13 | The Port / Area Four | C+ | 145 |
| 14 | Strawberry Hill | C | 180 |
| 15 | Kendall Square | C- | 177 |
Cambridge Crime by Zip Code
Cambridge Demographics & Cost of Living
Population
117,822
Median Income
$107,490
Home Value
$842,521
Median Rent
$2,293
Home Ownership
35%
Racial Demographics
White
58%
Black
14.4%
Hispanic
8.8%
Asian
18.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cambridge?
Cambridge has an overall crime index of 133, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 67% of neighborhoods in Cambridge are rated A or B for safety.
Is Cambridge safe to live in?
Cambridge has a crime safety grade of B-. Average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Cambridge?
The safest neighborhoods in Cambridge based on crime data include West Cambridge, Harvard Square, Agassiz, MIT, and Cambridge Highlands. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Cambridge crime compare to the national average?
Cambridge's overall crime index is 133 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 33% higher than the typical US city.
Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Lowell, MA
Brockton, MA
Quincy, MA
Lynn, MA
Newton, MA
Somerville, MA
Lawrence, MA
Framingham, MA
Haverhill, MA
Waltham, MA
Malden, MA
Brookline, MA
Medford, MA
Weymouth, MA
Revere, MA
Peabody, MA
Methuen Town, MA
Everett, MA
Arlington, MA
Salem, MA
Billerica, MA
Beverly, MA
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