Is Cambridge or Webster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Webster is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 59/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,438 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 53% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 2 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Webster has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 6.7x 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
Webster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Webster, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Webster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,437.7 | +1,643.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 637.7 | -201.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 55.9 | -21.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 16.8 | +74.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 565.0 | -253.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 800.0 | +1,844.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 106.3 | +130.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 593.0 | +1,730.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 100.7 | -16.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Webster safer?
Webster is safer with a total crime rate of 1,438 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Webster has 637.7. 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 Webster, MA
Webster, Massachusetts, a town in Worcester County, is home to Lake Chaubunagungamaug, known for its exceptionally long name. This small mill town, with a population around 17,000, sits near the Connecticut border. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 17,876, Webster has a total crime rate of 1,437.7 per 100,000 residents.