Is Cambridge or Lawrence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Lawrence is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 59/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,439 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 53% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lawrence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Lawrence, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Lawrence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,438.6 | +1,642.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 439.7 | -3.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.8 | -7.8 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 31.3 | +2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 52.5 | +38.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 348.2 | -36.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 998.9 | +1,645.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 72.5 | +164.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 851.6 | +1,471.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 74.8 | +9.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Lawrence safer?
Lawrence is safer with a total crime rate of 1,439 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Lawrence has 439.7. 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 Lawrence, MA
Lawrence, a Merrimack Valley city, was once a thriving textile hub, home to the historic Bread and Roses Strike. Today, it is a diverse community with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 89,600, Lawrence has a total crime rate of 1,438.6 per 100,000 residents.