Central Square Neighborhood, Cambridge
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Cambridge
Is Central Square Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Central Square in Cambridge, MA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Cambridge average (crime index 133), Central Square is 21% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 187, 87% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 123).
Central Square Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Cambridge city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Assault
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Rape
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
182 | +82% | High | |
How Central Square Compares
Crime index by category: Central Square vs Cambridge average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Square, Cambridge?
Central Square in Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average. Compared to the Cambridge average, crime in Central Square is 21% higher.
Is Central Square a safe neighborhood in Cambridge?
Central Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Cambridge, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 187), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 123).
How does Central Square compare to the rest of Cambridge?
Central Square's overall crime index is 154, compared to the Cambridge average of 133. This means crime in Central Square is 21% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 161, and for property crime it is 172. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central Square?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Square is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 187 (87% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include MIT, Wellington-Harrington, Cambridgeport and Mid-Cambridge. These areas are close to Central Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Square?
Central Square has a population of approximately 9,730. The median household income is $83,210. The median home value is $1,025,100. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Square crime compare to the national average?
Central Square's overall crime rate is 54% above the national average (index 154 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.