Is Cambridge or Pembroke Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Pembroke is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 94/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 446 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 86% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Pembroke has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 6.5x 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
Pembroke — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Pembroke, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Pembroke | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 446.0 | +2,635.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 91.4 | +345.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 32.2 | +1.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 5.4 | +86.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 53.7 | +257.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 354.7 | +2,289.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 43.0 | +193.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 274.1 | +2,049.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 37.6 | +47.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Pembroke safer?
Pembroke is safer with a total crime rate of 446 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Pembroke has 91.4. Pembroke 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 Pembroke, MA
Pembroke, Massachusetts, a South Shore town incorporated in 1712, is home to numerous ponds and the North River. Its population of about 18,000 residents enjoys a suburban character. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 18,610, Pembroke has a total crime rate of 446.0 per 100,000 residents.