Is Cambridge or Somerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Somerville is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 43/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 38% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 2 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Somerville has a 73% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Somerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Somerville, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Somerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,920.1 | +1,160.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 221.4 | +215.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 15.9 | +18.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 24.5 | +66.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 181.0 | +130.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,698.8 | +945.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 289.9 | -53.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,279.3 | +1,043.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 129.6 | -45.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Somerville safer?
Somerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Somerville has 221.4. Somerville 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 Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, a densely populated city immediately north of Boston, is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. Historically home to many working-class immigrants, it's now a hub for young professionals and students. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 81,766, Somerville has a total crime rate of 1,920.1 per 100,000 residents.