Is Cambridge or Medford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Medford is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 61/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 55% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Medford has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 2.0x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Medford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Medford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,379.2 | +1,701.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 179.5 | +257.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 21.8 | +12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 23.5 | +67.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 134.2 | +177.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,199.6 | +1,444.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 77.2 | +159.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,006.7 | +1,316.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 115.8 | -31.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Medford safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Medford has 179.5. Medford 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 Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 per 100,000 residents.