Is Cambridge or Plymouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Plymouth is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 74/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,018 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 67% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Plymouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Plymouth, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Plymouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,017.7 | +2,063.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 322.6 | +114.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.9 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 22.0 | +12.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 10.3 | +81.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 287.4 | +23.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 695.1 | +1,949.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 63.1 | +173.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 582.2 | +1,740.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 49.9 | +34.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Plymouth safer?
Plymouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,018 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Plymouth has 322.6. Plymouth 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 Plymouth, MA
Plymouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town south of Boston, holds the significant historical distinction of being the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620. Its population of over 60,000 residents reflects a mix of historical preservation and modern suburban life. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 68,195, Plymouth has a total crime rate of 1,017.7 per 100,000 residents.