Is Cambridge or Dedham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Dedham is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 53/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 48% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Dedham has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.8x 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
Dedham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Dedham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Dedham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,597.3 | +1,483.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 272.1 | +164.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 19.7 | +14.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 7.9 | +83.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 244.5 | +66.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,325.2 | +1,319.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 98.6 | +138.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,128.0 | +1,195.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 98.6 | -13.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Dedham safer?
Dedham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Dedham has 272.1. Dedham 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 Dedham, MA
Dedham, a town in Norfolk County south of Boston, boasts a rich history as the site of the first tax-supported public school in America. Its suburban landscape is characterized by a mix of residential areas and commercial hubs. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 25,355, Dedham has a total crime rate of 1,597.3 per 100,000 residents.