Cambridge, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Cambridge, MA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Cambridge crime rate is higher than the national average by 13.9%. Specifically, there were 475 violent crimes in Cambridge, equivalent to 406 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 9.7%. Furthermore, Cambridge recorded 2622 property crimes, amounting to 2240 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 14.6%.

In terms of the total Cambridge crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Cambridge, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

The violent crime rate in Cambridge closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 406 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Cambridge as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

In the most recently reported crime year, Cambridge registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

In the most recent release, Cambridge reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Cambridge, there were 2240 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Cambridge?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Cambridge residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 37 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 57% of Cambridge residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 43% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Cambridge a Safe Place to Live?

Is Cambridge a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Cambridge has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 14%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 8.48 daily incidents, encompassing 1.3 violent crimes and 7.18 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Cambridge as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Cambridge Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Cambridge has increased by 13.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Cambridge, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 27.7%, while property crime has increased by 10.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Cambridge is a safe place to live.

Cambridge Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 12 different neighborhoods in the Cambridge area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Cambridge include Mit, Aggasiz-Harvard and Neighborhood 9. While Mid-Cambridge, Wellington-Harrington and Area Iv have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cambridge

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Cambridge, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Cambridge, the cost of living is 73% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Cambridge has an average rental rate of $2,293 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Cambridge crime map