Is Cambridge or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Watertown is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 40/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 35% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Watertown has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 3.4x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Watertown, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 2,012.0 | +1,069.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 153.3 | +283.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 25.1 | +9.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 8.4 | +83.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 119.8 | +191.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,858.7 | +785.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 53.0 | +183.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 1,780.7 | +542.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 25.1 | +59.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Watertown has 153.3. Watertown 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 Watertown, MA
Watertown, a historic Middlesex County town, sits along the Charles River just west of Boston. It was home to the Perkins School for the Blind, where Helen Keller studied. The town has a diverse population, including a notable Armenian community. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 35,885, Watertown has a total crime rate of 2,012.0 per 100,000 residents.