Is Cambridge or Northampton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Northampton is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 49/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 44% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.0x 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
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Northampton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Northampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,717.2 | +1,363.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 445.1 | -8.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.3 | -3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 63.1 | -29.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 13.3 | +78.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 365.4 | -54.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,272.1 | +1,372.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 162.8 | +73.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,069.5 | +1,253.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 39.9 | +44.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Northampton safer?
Northampton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Northampton has 445.1. 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 Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 per 100,000 residents.