Is Cambridge or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cambridge is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 18/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 44% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 12.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 5,458.5 | -2,377.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 910.3 | -473.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 46.1 | -12.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 273.2 | -181.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 572.5 | -261.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 4,548.2 | -1,903.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 319.0 | -82.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 3,223.6 | -900.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 1,005.6 | -920.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Philadelphia safer?
Cambridge is safer with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. 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 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.