Is Cambridge or Southboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Southboro is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 99/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 282 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 91% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Southboro has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 11.3x 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
Southboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Southboro, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Southboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 282.5 | +2,798.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 56.5 | +380.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 28.3 | +5.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 28.3 | +283.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 226.0 | +2,418.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 18.8 | +217.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 197.7 | +2,125.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 9.4 | +75.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Southboro safer?
Southboro is safer with a total crime rate of 282 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 91% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Southboro has 56.5. Southboro 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 Southboro, MA
Southborough, MA, a affluent suburb west of Boston, is home to the prestigious Fay School, the nation's oldest junior boarding school. Its leafy streets and large properties are characteristic of a wealthy New England town. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 10,620, Southboro has a total crime rate of 282.5 per 100,000 residents.