Is Cambridge or Saugus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Saugus is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 52/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,652 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 46% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Saugus has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.1x 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 SAFER than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Saugus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Saugus, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Saugus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,651.8 | +1,429.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 250.2 | +186.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 30.8 | +3.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 6.9 | +84.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 212.5 | +98.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,401.6 | +1,242.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 96.0 | +140.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,199.5 | +1,123.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 106.2 | -21.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Saugus safer?
Saugus is safer with a total crime rate of 1,652 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Saugus has 250.2. Saugus 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 Saugus, MA
Saugus, Massachusetts, a town in Essex County, is home to the historic Kowloon Restaurant, a beloved Tiki establishment. Situated just north of Boston, it features a mix of suburban areas and light commercial zones. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 29,180, Saugus has a total crime rate of 1,651.8 per 100,000 residents.