Is Cambridge or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cambridge is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 18/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 17% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 3,728.2 | -647.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 892.7 | -456.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 47.0 | -12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 209.0 | -117.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 624.5 | -313.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 2,835.5 | -191.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 313.8 | -77.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,856.7 | +466.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 665.0 | -580.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Springfield safer?
Cambridge is safer with a total crime rate of 3,081 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Cambridge 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 Springfield, MA
Springfield, Massachusetts, a city on the Connecticut River, is the "City of Firsts," notably home to the invention of basketball. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents reflects a rich industrial past and a vibrant present as an economic hub. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 155,491, Springfield has a total crime rate of 3,728.2 per 100,000 residents.