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Cambridge, MA vs Chelmsford, MA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Cambridge crime rate · Chelmsford crime rate

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Is Cambridge, MA or Chelmsford, MA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chelmsford, MA is safer than Cambridge, MA (Safety Score 65/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — 59% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Chelmsford has a 97% lower rate.

Note: Cambridge is 3.3x 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 Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Flat Property Flat Total

Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA
Safety Score 18/100
Coverage 120,447
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0
Category Wins 0/6

Chelmsford, MA

Chelmsford, MA
Safety Score 65/100
Coverage 36,795
Total Crime Rate 1,250.2
Category Wins 6/6

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Cambridge Chelmsford Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0 1,250.2 +1,830.9
Violent Crime Rate 436.7 122.3 +314.4
Murder Rate 0.0 0.0 +0.0
Rape Rate 34.0 16.3 +17.7
Robbery Rate 91.3 2.7 +88.6
Aggravated Assault Rate 311.3 103.3 +208.1
Property Crime Rate 2,644.3 1,127.9 +1,516.5
Burglary Rate 236.6 116.9 +119.8
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,323.0 975.7 +1,347.3
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 84.7 35.3 +49.4

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Cambridge, MA to Chelmsford, MA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambridge or Chelmsford safer?

Chelmsford, MA is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — a 59% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Chelmsford has 122.3. Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, MA

Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 per 100,000 residents.

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