02138 Zip Code, Cambridge
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe zip code — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 80% of zip codes in Cambridge
Safety at a Glance
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in Cambridge
Is 02138 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is safe. Zip code 02138 in Cambridge, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 80% of zip codes in Cambridge.
Compared to the Cambridge average (crime index 133), zip code 02138 is 13% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 149, 49% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 97).
02138 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
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
How 02138 Compares
Crime index by category: 02138 vs Cambridge average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
02138 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
02138 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Cambridge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 02138, Cambridge?
Zip code 02138 in Cambridge, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average. Compared to the Cambridge average, crime in Zip code 02138 is 13% lower. Zip code 02138 is safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Cambridge.
Is Zip code 02138 a safe neighborhood in Cambridge?
Zip code 02138 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Cambridge, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 149), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 97). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cambridge.
How does Zip code 02138 compare to the rest of Cambridge?
Zip code 02138's overall crime index is 120, compared to the Cambridge average of 133. This means crime in Zip code 02138 is 13% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 118, and for property crime it is 134. 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 Zip code 02138?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 02138 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 149 (49% 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 Zip code 02138?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 02140, 02139, 02142 and 02141. These areas are close to Zip code 02138 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 02138?
Zip code 02138 has a population of approximately 38,268. The median household income is $108,191. The median home value is $1,806,853. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 02138 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 02138's overall crime rate is 20% above the national average (index 120 vs 100). Within Cambridge, it is safer than 80% 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.