Is Cambridge or Marlboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Marlboro is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 58/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,457 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 53% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Marlboro has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 2.9x 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
Marlboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Marlboro, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Marlboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,457.5 | +1,623.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 421.2 | +15.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 45.5 | -11.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 14.4 | +77.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 361.4 | -50.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,036.3 | +1,608.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 119.7 | +117.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 808.9 | +1,514.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 107.7 | -23.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Marlboro safer?
Marlboro is safer with a total crime rate of 1,457 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 Marlboro has 421.2. Marlboro 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 Marlboro, MA
Marlborough, Massachusetts, once home to a vibrant shoe industry, now boasts a diverse population of over 40,000. Located in Middlesex County, it sits at the crossroads of major routes, providing easy access to Boston and Worcester. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 41,785, Marlboro has a total crime rate of 1,457.5 per 100,000 residents.