Riverside Neighborhood, Cambridge
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Cambridge
Safety at a Glance
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in Cambridge
Is Riverside Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Riverside in Cambridge, MA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average of 100. Riverside is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Compared to the Cambridge average (crime index 133), Riverside is 15% 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: 96). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Riverside 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
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Rape
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
181 | +81% | High | |
How Riverside Compares
Crime index by category: Riverside vs Cambridge average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Riverside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Riverside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Riverside, Cambridge?
Riverside in Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average. Compared to the Cambridge average, crime in Riverside is 15% higher. Riverside is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Is Riverside a safe neighborhood in Cambridge?
Riverside has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 187), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 96).
How does Riverside compare to the rest of Cambridge?
Riverside's overall crime index is 148, compared to the Cambridge average of 133. This means crime in Riverside is 15% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 147, and for property crime it is 175. 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 Riverside?
The most prevalent crime type in Riverside 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 Riverside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mid-Cambridge, Cambridgeport, Harvard Square and MIT. These areas are close to Riverside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Riverside?
Riverside has a population of approximately 8,625. The median household income is $79,081. The median home value is $1,034,465. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Riverside crime compare to the national average?
Riverside's overall crime rate is 48% above the national average (index 148 vs 100). Within Cambridge, it is safer than 27% 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.