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Cambridge, MA vs North Reading, MA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Cambridge crime rate · North Reading crime rate

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Is Cambridge, MA or North Reading, MA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, North Reading, MA is safer than Cambridge, MA (Safety Score 93/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — 85% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where North Reading has a 93% lower rate.

Note: Cambridge is 7.3x 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

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

North Reading — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA
Safety Score 18/100
Coverage 120,447
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0
Category Wins 0/6

North Reading, MA

North Reading, MA
Safety Score 93/100
Coverage 16,531
Total Crime Rate 471.8
Category Wins 6/6

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Cambridge North Reading Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0 471.8 +2,609.2
Violent Crime Rate 436.7 66.5 +370.2
Murder Rate 0.0 0.0 +0.0
Rape Rate 34.0 6.1 +28.0
Robbery Rate 91.3 6.1 +85.3
Aggravated Assault Rate 311.3 54.4 +256.9
Property Crime Rate 2,644.3 405.3 +2,239.0
Burglary Rate 236.6 48.4 +188.2
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,323.0 338.8 +1,984.3
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 84.7 18.2 +66.5

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Cambridge, MA to North Reading, MA?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambridge or North Reading safer?

North Reading, MA is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — a 85% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while North Reading has 66.5. North Reading 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 Reading, MA

North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 per 100,000 residents.

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