Is Cambridge or Newton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Newton is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 88/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 648 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 79% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Newton has a 99% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Newton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Newton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 648.3 | +2,432.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 48.9 | +387.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 10.0 | +24.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 1.1 | +90.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 37.8 | +273.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 599.3 | +2,045.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 63.4 | +173.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 501.5 | +1,821.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 34.5 | +50.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Newton safer?
Newton is safer with a total crime rate of 648 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Newton has 48.9. Newton 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 Newton, MA
Newton, a suburban city in Middlesex County, is home to Boston College. Known for its distinct "villages," it's one of Massachusetts' wealthiest communities. With a safety score of 88/100 and a population coverage of 89,935, Newton has a total crime rate of 648.3 per 100,000 residents.