Is Cambridge or Lowell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Lowell is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 35/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 29% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lowell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Lowell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Lowell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 2,195.4 | +885.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 532.5 | -95.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.3 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 6.9 | +27.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 56.9 | +34.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 464.4 | -153.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,662.9 | +981.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 149.9 | +86.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,309.6 | +1,013.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 203.3 | -118.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Lowell safer?
Lowell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Lowell has 532.5. 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 Lowell, MA
Lowell, a historic mill city on the Merrimack River, was a birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Its diverse population includes a significant Cambodian American community. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 116,062, Lowell has a total crime rate of 2,195.4 per 100,000 residents.