Is Burlington or Cambridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Burlington is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 44/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 39% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 6 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Burlington has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.4x 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 Burlington, MA?
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, MA
Cambridge, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Cambridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.6 | 3,081.0 | -1,193.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.9 | 436.7 | -211.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 22.1 | 34.0 | -11.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 91.3 | -76.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 188.0 | 311.3 | -123.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.7 | 2,644.3 | -981.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.9 | 236.6 | -140.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.0 | 2,323.0 | -804.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 84.7 | -36.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Cambridge safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100K while Cambridge has 436.7. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 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.