Is Cambridge or New Bedford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, New Bedford is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 49/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 44% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
New Bedford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | New Bedford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,712.4 | +1,368.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 353.2 | +83.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.8 | -6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 43.9 | -9.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 78.1 | +13.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 224.4 | +86.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,359.1 | +1,285.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 184.4 | +52.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 930.8 | +1,392.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 243.9 | -159.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or New Bedford safer?
New Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while New Bedford has 353.2. New Bedford 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 New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 per 100,000 residents.