Is Acton or Cambridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Acton is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 95/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 416 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 86% lower. Acton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Acton, MA?
Acton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Acton, MA
Cambridge, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Acton | Cambridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 416.2 | 3,081.0 | -2,664.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 65.3 | 436.7 | -371.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 0.0 | +4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 34.0 | -21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 91.3 | -91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 49.0 | 311.3 | -262.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 350.9 | 2,644.3 | -2,293.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.5 | 236.6 | -159.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 261.2 | 2,323.0 | -2,061.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 12.2 | 84.7 | -72.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acton or Cambridge safer?
Acton is safer with a total crime rate of 416 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Acton has a violent crime rate of 65.3 per 100K while Cambridge has 436.7. Acton has lower violent crime.
About Acton, MA
Acton, a Middlesex County town established in 1735, boasts a rich history including Minutemen participation. Located about 20 miles west-northwest of Boston, it is primarily residential with a highly educated population. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 24,506, Acton has a total crime rate of 416.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Cambridge, MA
Nestled across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is a vibrant intellectual hub home to Harvard University. Its youthful, highly educated population, with a median age around 30, contributes to its dynamic character. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 120,447, Cambridge has a total crime rate of 3,081.0 per 100,000 residents.