Is Cambridge or Northboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Northboro is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 100/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 200 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 93% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Northboro has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 7.5x 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
Northboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Northboro, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Northboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 200.3 | +2,880.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 12.5 | +424.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 0.0 | +34.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 12.5 | +298.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 187.8 | +2,456.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 12.5 | +224.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 175.3 | +2,147.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 0.0 | +84.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Northboro safer?
Northboro is safer with a total crime rate of 200 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 93% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Northboro has 12.5. Northboro 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 Northboro, MA
Northborough, MA, a Middlesex County town, was once home to the first cotton mill in the state. Today, it's a growing suburban community with a median age of around 42. With a safety score of 100/100 and a population coverage of 15,975, Northboro has a total crime rate of 200.3 per 100,000 residents.