Cambridge, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 38% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 191 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 33 chance for property crime. Cambridge has higher crime than 84% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Cambridge has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 67% of the city's 15 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, West Cambridge is one of the safest areas, while Kendall Square has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Cambridge is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Cambridge are West Cambridge, Harvard Square, Agassiz, MIT, and Cambridge Highlands. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Cambridge include Kendall Square, Strawberry Hill, The Port / Area Four, North Cambridge, and Riverside. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Cambridge is 523.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 38% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 191 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.5 per 100K (50% above average); aggravated assault at 388.3 per 100K (45% above average); robbery at 93.8 per 100K (27% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Cambridge is 3,011.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 64% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 33 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 319.9 per 100K (19% above average); larceny/theft at 2,206.4 per 100K (57% above average); vehicle theft at 485.0 per 100K (52% above average).

Cambridge's overall crime rate is 38% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (57% above average), while rape is 2% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Cambridge has higher crime than 84% of them.

Visitors to Cambridge should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 64% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include West Cambridge, Harvard Square, Agassiz.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Cambridge's crime rate is 38% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Cambridge, with an estimated rate of 2,206.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 57% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,011 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (524 per 100K) in Cambridge, which is consistent with national trends.