Is Cambridge or North Andover Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, North Andover is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 85/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 705 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 77% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 3.7x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Andover — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
North Andover, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | North Andover | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 705.2 | +2,375.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 138.6 | +298.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.1 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 37.0 | -2.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 12.3 | +79.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 86.2 | +225.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 566.6 | +2,077.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 61.6 | +175.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 468.1 | +1,854.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 37.0 | +47.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or North Andover safer?
North Andover is safer with a total crime rate of 705 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while North Andover has 138.6. North Andover 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 Andover, MA
North Andover, a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, is home to Merrimack College and boasts a rich history tied to the Andover Theological Seminary. Predominantly residential, it features rolling hills and a mix of historic homes and modern developments. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,474, North Andover has a total crime rate of 705.2 per 100,000 residents.