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Cambridge, MA vs Norwell, MA Crime Comparison

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

Full report: Cambridge crime rate · Norwell crime rate

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Is Cambridge, MA or Norwell, MA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Norwell, MA is safer than Cambridge, MA (Safety Score 92/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 531 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — 83% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Norwell has a 88% lower rate.

Note: Cambridge is 10.5x 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

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Norwell — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Flat Property Flat Total

Cambridge, MA

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

Norwell, MA

Norwell, MA
Safety Score 92/100
Coverage 11,498
Total Crime Rate 530.5
Category Wins 6/6

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Cambridge Norwell Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0 530.5 +2,550.5
Violent Crime Rate 436.7 52.2 +384.5
Murder Rate 0.0 0.0 +0.0
Rape Rate 34.0 0.0 +34.0
Robbery Rate 91.3 17.4 +73.9
Aggravated Assault Rate 311.3 34.8 +276.6
Property Crime Rate 2,644.3 478.3 +2,166.0
Burglary Rate 236.6 52.2 +184.4
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,323.0 400.1 +1,922.9
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 84.7 26.1 +58.6

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

Moving from Cambridge, MA to Norwell, MA?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambridge or Norwell safer?

Norwell, MA is safer with a total crime rate of 531 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — a 83% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Norwell has 52.2. Norwell 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 Norwell, MA

Norwell, Massachusetts, a picturesque South Shore town, was historically known for its shipbuilding industry along the North River. This affluent community, predominantly residential, boasts a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 11,498, Norwell has a total crime rate of 530.5 per 100,000 residents.

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