Is Cambridge or Spencer Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Spencer is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 97/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 363 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 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 SAFER than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Spencer — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Spencer, MA
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Spencer safer?
Spencer is safer with a total crime rate of 363 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — 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.