Is Cambridge or Methuen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Methuen is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 76/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 972 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 68% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Methuen has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 2.2x 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
Methuen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Methuen, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Methuen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 972.1 | +2,108.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 175.8 | +261.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 9.2 | +24.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 166.6 | +144.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 796.4 | +1,848.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 47.6 | +189.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 682.9 | +1,640.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 65.9 | +18.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Methuen safer?
Methuen is safer with a total crime rate of 972 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Methuen has 175.8. Methuen 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 Methuen, MA
Methuen, Massachusetts, once a mill town known for its hat factories, lies along the Merrimack River near the New Hampshire border. Its diverse population of over 50,000 residents contributes to its suburban character. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 54,623, Methuen has a total crime rate of 972.1 per 100,000 residents.