Is Cambridge or Dallas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cambridge is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 18/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 23% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 11.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Dallas, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Dallas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 4,012.3 | -931.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 660.5 | -223.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.6 | -13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 35.9 | -1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 168.5 | -77.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 440.1 | -128.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 3,351.9 | -707.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 464.1 | -227.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,787.3 | +535.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 1,100.5 | -1,015.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Dallas safer?
Cambridge is safer with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Dallas has 660.5. Cambridge 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 Dallas, TX
Dallas, a major hub in North Texas, is known for its historic role in the oil industry and its sprawling urban landscape. The city boasts a diverse population exceeding 1.3 million within its city limits. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 1,321,500, Dallas has a total crime rate of 4,012.3 per 100,000 residents.