Is Cambridge or Southbridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Southbridge is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 74/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,001 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 68% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Southbridge has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 6.6x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Southbridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Southbridge, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Southbridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,001.1 | +2,079.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 366.5 | +70.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 65.7 | -31.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 16.4 | +74.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 284.5 | +26.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 634.6 | +2,009.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 93.0 | +143.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 432.2 | +1,890.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 109.4 | -24.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Southbridge safer?
Southbridge is safer with a total crime rate of 1,001 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Southbridge has 366.5. Southbridge 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 Southbridge, MA
Southbridge, once a thriving mill town known for its American Optical Company, sits on the Quinebaug River in southern Worcester County. Its diverse population now navigates a landscape of historic brick buildings and new developments. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 18,280, Southbridge has a total crime rate of 1,001.1 per 100,000 residents.