Is Cambridge or Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Reading is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 90/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 572 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 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
Violent
Property
Total
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Reading, MA
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Reading safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 572 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — 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.