Is Cambridge or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 35/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 28% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 31.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 2,212.5 | +868.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 728.5 | -291.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 40.3 | -6.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 209.9 | -118.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 471.4 | -160.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,483.9 | +1,160.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 372.8 | -136.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 851.5 | +1,471.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 259.6 | -175.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. 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 Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.