Is Cambridge or Dartmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Dartmouth is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 62/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,345 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 56% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Dartmouth has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 3.5x 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
Violent
Property
Total
Dartmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Dartmouth, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Dartmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,345.1 | +1,735.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 250.1 | +186.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 28.7 | +5.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 20.1 | +71.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 201.2 | +110.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,095.1 | +1,549.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 71.9 | +164.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 977.2 | +1,345.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 46.0 | +38.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Dartmouth safer?
Dartmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,345 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Dartmouth has 250.1. Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth, MA
Dartmouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town settled in 1652, features a mix of historic villages and modern developments. Its southern border lies along Buzzards Bay, and the population is around 34,000. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 34,792, Dartmouth has a total crime rate of 1,345.1 per 100,000 residents.