Is Cambridge or North Adams Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Cambridge is safer than North Adams (Safety Score 18/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100,000 versus 3,752 for North Adams — 18% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 2 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Cambridge has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 9.7x 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
North Adams — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
North Adams, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | North Adams | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 3,751.5 | -670.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 1,194.0 | -757.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 56.5 | -22.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 72.6 | +18.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 1,065.0 | -753.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 2,557.5 | +86.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 330.8 | -94.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 2,186.4 | +136.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 40.3 | +44.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or North Adams safer?
Cambridge is safer with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100K vs 3,752 for North Adams — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while North Adams has 1,194.0. Cambridge 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 North Adams, MA
Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, North Adams is a small city of roughly 13,000 residents. It's home to MASS MoCA, a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former mill complex, reflecting its industrial past and cultural present. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 12,395, North Adams has a total crime rate of 3,751.5 per 100,000 residents.