Is Cambridge or North Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, North Reading is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 93/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 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
Violent
Property
Total
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
North Reading, MA
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or North Reading safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — 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.