Is Cambridge or Fitchburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Fitchburg is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 46/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 41% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 2.8x 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
Fitchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Fitchburg, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Fitchburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,830.8 | +1,250.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 486.6 | -49.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.4 | -2.4 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 40.2 | -6.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 35.4 | +55.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 408.7 | -97.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,344.1 | +1,300.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 271.7 | -35.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 952.0 | +1,371.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 120.5 | -35.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Fitchburg safer?
Fitchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Fitchburg has 486.6. 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 Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg, a city in northern Worcester County, was a major mill town known for its paper industry. It sits along the Nashua River and has a diverse, working-class population. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 42,332, Fitchburg has a total crime rate of 1,830.8 per 100,000 residents.