Is Cambridge or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 90/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 81% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wakefield has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.2x 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
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 584.0 | +2,497.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 174.9 | +261.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 56.0 | -21.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 7.0 | +84.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 111.9 | +199.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 409.2 | +2,235.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 45.5 | +191.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 293.8 | +2,029.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 69.9 | +14.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield 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 Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.