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Cambridge, MA vs Spencer, MA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Cambridge crime rate · Spencer crime rate

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Is Cambridge, MA or Spencer, MA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Spencer, MA is safer than Cambridge, MA (Safety Score 97/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 363 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — 88% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Spencer has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Cambridge is 9.9x 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

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Spencer — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA
Safety Score 18/100
Coverage 120,447
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0
Category Wins 0/6

Spencer, MA

Spencer, MA
Safety Score 97/100
Coverage 12,130
Total Crime Rate 362.7
Category Wins 6/6

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Cambridge Spencer Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,081.0 362.7 +2,718.3
Violent Crime Rate 436.7 82.4 +354.3
Murder Rate 0.0 0.0 +0.0
Rape Rate 34.0 0.0 +34.0
Robbery Rate 91.3 0.0 +91.3
Aggravated Assault Rate 311.3 82.4 +228.9
Property Crime Rate 2,644.3 280.3 +2,364.0
Burglary Rate 236.6 24.7 +211.9
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,323.0 181.4 +2,141.6
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 84.7 74.2 +10.5

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Cambridge, MA to Spencer, MA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambridge or Spencer safer?

Spencer, MA is safer with a total crime rate of 363 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge, MA — a 88% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Spencer has 82.4. Spencer 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 Spencer, MA

Spencer, a central Massachusetts town, is home to the historic Howe family, inventors of the sewing machine. Situated on the Seven Hills, it features a diverse population of just over 11,000 residents. With a safety score of 97/100 and a population coverage of 12,130, Spencer has a total crime rate of 362.7 per 100,000 residents.

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