Is Cambridge or Pepperell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Pepperell is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 93/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 476 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 Pepperell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 10.1x 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
Pepperell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Pepperell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Pepperell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 476.2 | +2,604.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 108.6 | +328.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 8.4 | +25.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 100.3 | +211.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 367.6 | +2,276.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 91.9 | +144.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 250.6 | +2,072.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 25.1 | +59.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Pepperell safer?
Pepperell is safer with a total crime rate of 476 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 Pepperell has 108.6. Pepperell 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 Pepperell, MA
Pepperell, a rural town in northern Middlesex County, was settled in 1720. Historically a farming community, it retains a quiet, wooded character along the Nashua River. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 11,970, Pepperell has a total crime rate of 476.2 per 100,000 residents.