West Cambridge Neighborhood, Cambridge
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 93% of neighborhoods in Cambridge
Safety at a Glance
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in Cambridge
Is West Cambridge Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. West Cambridge in Cambridge, MA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average of 100. West Cambridge is safer than 93% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Compared to the Cambridge average (crime index 133), West Cambridge is 28% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 138, 38% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 15). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
West 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
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
15 | -85% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
How West Cambridge Compares
Crime index by category: West Cambridge vs Cambridge average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West 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
West Cambridge Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Cambridge, Cambridge?
West Cambridge in Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average. Compared to the Cambridge average, crime in West Cambridge is 28% lower. West Cambridge is safer than 93% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Is West Cambridge a safe neighborhood in Cambridge?
West Cambridge is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Cambridge, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 138), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 15). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cambridge.
How does West Cambridge compare to the rest of Cambridge?
West Cambridge's overall crime index is 105, compared to the Cambridge average of 133. This means crime in West Cambridge is 28% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 76, and for property crime it is 105. 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 West Cambridge?
The most prevalent crime type in West Cambridge is Assault, with a crime index of 138 (38% 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 West Cambridge?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Peabody / Neighborhood Nine, Harvard Square, Cambridge Highlands and Agassiz. These areas are close to West Cambridge and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Cambridge?
West Cambridge has a population of approximately 7,385. The median household income is $160,869. The median home value is $2,690,776. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Cambridge crime compare to the national average?
West Cambridge's overall crime rate is 5% above the national average (index 105 vs 100). Within Cambridge, it is safer than 93% 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.