East Cambridge Neighborhood, Cambridge
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Cambridge
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Cambridge
Is East Cambridge Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. East Cambridge in Cambridge, MA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average of 100. East Cambridge is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Compared to the Cambridge average (crime index 133), East Cambridge is 46% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 186, 86% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 96).
East Cambridge 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
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Assault
|
176 | +76% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Rape
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
182 | +82% | High | |
How East Cambridge Compares
Crime index by category: East Cambridge vs Cambridge average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
East Cambridge Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
East Cambridge Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in East Cambridge, Cambridge?
East Cambridge in Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average. Compared to the Cambridge average, crime in East Cambridge is 46% higher. East Cambridge is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Is East Cambridge a safe neighborhood in Cambridge?
East Cambridge is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Cambridge, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 186), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 96).
How does East Cambridge compare to the rest of Cambridge?
East Cambridge's overall crime index is 179, compared to the Cambridge average of 133. This means crime in East Cambridge is 46% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 179. 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 East Cambridge?
The most prevalent crime type in East Cambridge is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 186 (86% 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 East Cambridge?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wellington-Harrington, MIT, Mid-Cambridge and Cambridgeport. These areas are close to East Cambridge and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of East Cambridge?
East Cambridge has a population of approximately 8,197. The median household income is $91,159. The median home value is $884,696. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does East Cambridge crime compare to the national average?
East Cambridge's overall crime rate is 79% above the national average (index 179 vs 100). Within Cambridge, it is safer than 33% of neighborhoods. 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.