Is Cambridge or Walpole Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Walpole is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 77/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 948 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 69% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Walpole has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 4.6x 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 SAFER than Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Walpole — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Walpole, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Walpole | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 947.9 | +2,133.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 133.2 | +303.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 19.0 | +15.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 7.6 | +83.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 106.6 | +204.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 814.7 | +1,829.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 76.1 | +160.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 711.9 | +1,611.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 26.7 | +58.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Walpole safer?
Walpole is safer with a total crime rate of 948 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Walpole has 133.2. Walpole 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 Walpole, MA
Walpole, Massachusetts, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots play. Located southwest of Boston, it features a mix of residential areas and open spaces. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 26,268, Walpole has a total crime rate of 947.9 per 100,000 residents.