Is Cambridge or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Cambridge (Safety Score 100/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for Cambridge — 99% lower. Cambridge has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,081.0 | 16.5 | +3,064.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 436.7 | 16.5 | +420.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.5 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 34.0 | 0.0 | +34.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.3 | 0.9 | +90.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.3 | 8.0 | +303.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,644.3 | 0.0 | +2,644.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.6 | 0.0 | +236.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,323.0 | 0.0 | +2,323.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.7 | 0.0 | +84.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 3,081 for Cambridge — a 99% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 436.7 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester 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 Worcester, MA
Worcester, a city of hills in Central Massachusetts, boasts a rich industrial past, home to the first American-made Valentine's Day cards. It's the second-most populous city in New England outside of Boston. With a safety score of 100/100 and a population coverage of 212,425, Worcester has a total crime rate of 16.5 per 100,000 residents.