Is Bedford or Cambridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Bedford is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 94/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 457 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 85% lower. Bedford 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 8.2x 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 SAFER than Bedford, MA?
Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bedford, MA
Cambridge, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bedford | Cambridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 457.1 | 3,081.0 | -2,624.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 13.6 | 436.7 | -423.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 0.0 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 34.0 | -34.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 91.3 | -91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 0.0 | 311.3 | -311.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 443.4 | 2,644.3 | -2,200.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 40.9 | 236.6 | -195.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 375.2 | 2,323.0 | -1,947.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 27.3 | 84.7 | -57.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford or Cambridge safer?
Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 457 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 13.6 per 100K while Cambridge has 436.7. Bedford has lower violent crime.
About Bedford, MA
Bedford, MA, home to Hanscom Air Force Base and a significant tech industry presence, sits northwest of Boston. This Middlesex County town, a bedroom community, maintains a suburban character with a notable historical district. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 14,659, Bedford has a total crime rate of 457.1 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.