Is Cambridge or Ipswich Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Ipswich is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 96/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 408 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 87% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ipswich has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 8.5x 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
Ipswich — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Ipswich, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Ipswich | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 408.0 | +2,673.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 133.7 | +303.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 7.0 | +27.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 126.6 | +184.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 274.4 | +2,370.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 42.2 | +194.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 211.0 | +2,112.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 21.1 | +63.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Ipswich safer?
Ipswich is safer with a total crime rate of 408 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Ipswich has 133.7. Ipswich 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 Ipswich, MA
Ipswich, Massachusetts, a coastal town north of Boston, boasts more First Period homes than any other U.S. community. Its population of around 14,000 enjoys a mix of historic charm and natural beauty. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 14,215, Ipswich has a total crime rate of 408.0 per 100,000 residents.