Is Cambridge or Charlton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Charlton is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 94/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 453 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 85% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charlton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 8.8x 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 Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Charlton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Charlton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 453.5 | +2,627.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 117.0 | +319.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 14.6 | +19.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 102.4 | +208.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 336.5 | +2,307.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 58.5 | +178.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 219.4 | +2,103.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 58.5 | +26.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Charlton safer?
Charlton is safer with a total crime rate of 453 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Charlton has 117.0. Charlton has lower violent crime.
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.
About Charlton, MA
Charlton, Massachusetts, a rural town in Worcester County, is home to a portion of the historic Old Sturbridge Village. Its forested landscape and low population density define much of its character. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 13,672, Charlton has a total crime rate of 453.5 per 100,000 residents.