Is Cambridge or Swampscott Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Swampscott is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 68/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,157 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 62% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Swampscott has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 7.6x 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
Swampscott — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Swampscott, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Swampscott | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,156.7 | +1,924.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 81.7 | +355.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 6.3 | +27.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 6.3 | +85.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 69.2 | +242.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,075.0 | +1,569.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 119.4 | +117.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 911.6 | +1,411.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 44.0 | +40.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Swampscott safer?
Swampscott is safer with a total crime rate of 1,157 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Swampscott has 81.7. Swampscott 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 Swampscott, MA
Swampscott, a coastal town north of Boston, boasts a rich history as the birthplace of the modern lobster industry. Its scenic shoreline, with beaches and rocky outcrops, defines much of the affluent community. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 15,907, Swampscott has a total crime rate of 1,156.7 per 100,000 residents.