Is Cambridge or Wilmington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Wilmington is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 68/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,177 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 Wilmington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cambridge is 5.1x 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
Wilmington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Wilmington, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 1,177.0 | +1,904.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 165.7 | +271.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 17.0 | +17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.0 | +91.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 148.7 | +162.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 1,011.3 | +1,633.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 93.5 | +143.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 862.6 | +1,460.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 55.2 | +29.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Wilmington safer?
Wilmington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,177 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 Wilmington has 165.7. Wilmington 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 Wilmington, MA
Wilmington, MA is a suburban town in Middlesex County, known for its annual "Fun on the Fourth" celebration. Bordering Andover and Reading, it's home to a diverse population, with many residents commuting to Boston. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 23,535, Wilmington has a total crime rate of 1,177.0 per 100,000 residents.