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Cambridge, MA vs Reading, MA Crime Comparison

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

Full report: Cambridge crime rate · Reading crime rate

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Is Cambridge, MA or Reading, MA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Reading, MA is safer than Cambridge, MA (Safety Score 90/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 572 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — 81% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Reading has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Cambridge is 4.7x 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

Reading — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Cambridge, MA

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

Reading, MA

Reading, MA
Safety Score 90/100
Coverage 25,871
Total Crime Rate 572.1
Category Wins 6/6

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Cambridge Reading Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0 572.1 +2,509.0
Violent Crime Rate 436.7 38.7 +398.1
Murder Rate 0.0 0.0 +0.0
Rape Rate 34.0 15.5 +18.6
Robbery Rate 91.3 0.0 +91.3
Aggravated Assault Rate 311.3 23.2 +288.2
Property Crime Rate 2,644.3 533.4 +2,110.9
Burglary Rate 236.6 77.3 +159.3
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,323.0 436.8 +1,886.2
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 84.7 19.3 +65.4

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

Moving from Cambridge, MA to Reading, MA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambridge or Reading safer?

Reading, MA is safer with a total crime rate of 572 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — a 81% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Reading has 38.7. Reading 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 Reading, MA

Reading, a Middlesex County town north of Boston, boasts a rich history, including the Parker Tavern, one of the oldest buildings in the US. With a population exceeding 25,000, it's a commuter-friendly community. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 25,871, Reading has a total crime rate of 572.1 per 100,000 residents.

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