Harvard Square Neighborhood, Cambridge

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Cambridge

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 79 / 300 High

Violent Crime 100

0% below national avg

Property Crime 109

9% above national avg

City Ranking

87%

safer than other

Cambridge neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Cambridge

Is Harvard Square Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 79, which is 21% below the national average of 100. Harvard Square is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.

Compared to the Cambridge average (crime index 133), Harvard Square is 54% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Cambridge as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 137, 37% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 68).

Highest Risk

Rape · Index 137 (37% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Assault · Index 68 (32% below avg)

Harvard Square Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Cambridge city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Cambridge	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	96	-4%	-49%	Average
Assault	68	-32%	-73%	Low
Robbery	100	0%	-30%	Average
Rape	137	+37%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	89	-11%	-27%	Average
Larceny / Theft	113	+13%	-43%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	124	+24%	-28%	Moderate

How Harvard Square Compares

Crime index by category: Harvard Square vs Cambridge average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Harvard Square Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Harvard Square Demographics & Context

Population

7,730

Median Income

$95,269

Home Value

$2,357,276

Median Age

Pop. Density

28,970/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 35%

Graduate Degree 57.7%

Housing

25%

75%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 55.6%

Black 7.6%

Hispanic 8.5%

Asian 27.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Agassiz Index: 74

A-

Riverside Index: 148

C+

Mid-Cambridge Index: 165

Peabody / Neighborhood Nine Index: 138

B+

West Cambridge Index: 105

Cambridgeport Index: 143

B-

The Port / Area Four Index: 145

C+

Wellington-Harrington Index: 154

B-

Harvard Square Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Cambridge Crime Statistics

View all Cambridge neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Harvard Square, Cambridge?

Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 79, which is 21% below the national average. Compared to the Cambridge average, crime in Harvard Square is 54% lower. Harvard Square is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.

Is Harvard Square a safe neighborhood in Cambridge?

Harvard Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Cambridge, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 137), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 68). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cambridge.

How does Harvard Square compare to the rest of Cambridge?

Harvard Square's overall crime index is 79, compared to the Cambridge average of 133. This means crime in Harvard Square is 54% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 100, and for property crime it is 109. 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 Harvard Square?

The most prevalent crime type in Harvard Square is Rape, with a crime index of 137 (37% 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 Harvard Square?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Agassiz, Mid-Cambridge, Peabody / Neighborhood Nine and West Cambridge. These areas are close to Harvard Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Harvard Square?

Harvard Square has a population of approximately 7,730. The median household income is $95,269. The median home value is $2,357,276. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Harvard Square crime compare to the national average?

Harvard Square's overall crime rate is 21% below the national average (index 79 vs 100). Within Cambridge, it is safer than 87% 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.