Is Cambridge or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Norfolk is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 95/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 431 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 86% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 10.2x 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 SAFER than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Norfolk, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 431.3 | +2,649.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 50.7 | +386.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 0.0 | +34.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 50.7 | +260.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 380.6 | +2,263.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 152.2 | +84.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 194.5 | +2,128.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 33.8 | +50.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Norfolk safer?
Norfolk is safer with a total crime rate of 431 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Norfolk has 50.7. Norfolk 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 Norfolk, MA
Norfolk, Massachusetts, a small town in southeastern Massachusetts, is primarily residential with a median age of around 40. It was once home to the Norfolk County Agricultural School, reflecting its rural past. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 11,824, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 431.3 per 100,000 residents.