A+
57%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
72%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBrookline/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime629n/a (estimate)1,0011,3922,324
Murder0n/a0.02.16.3
Rape4n/a6.429.140.0
Robbery11n/a17.537.766.1
Assault51n/a81.2253.1268.2
Violent crime66n/a (estimate)105322370
Burglary44n/a70.0142.8269.8
Theft485n/a772.0827.61,401.9
Vehicle theft34n/a54.199.7282.7
Property crime563n/a (estimate)8961,0701,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Brookline, MA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Brookline is 56.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 66 violent crimes reported in Brookline, equivalent to 105 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 71.6%. Additionally, Brookline recorded 563 property crimes, amounting to 896 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 54.2%.

Brookline distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 105 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Brookline among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Brookline experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Brookline?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Brookline. Based on the results of the surveys (20 responses), 85% of people felt that there was very little crime in Brookline and felt safe walking alone at night. While 15% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Brookline a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Brookline is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Brookline has a total crime rate that is 57% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.72 daily crimes (0.18 violent daily crimes and 1.54 daily property crimes) in Brookline.

Has Crime in Brookline Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Brookline. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Brookline has increased by 4.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 69.2%, while property crimes have increased by 0.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Brookline

Brookline has a poverty rate of 10.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Brookline has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.07 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Brookline are $2,305, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Brookline crime map



The Brookline crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Brookline as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Brookline crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Brookline crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Brookline, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Brookline crime rates are 57% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Brookline are 72% lower than the national average
      • In Brookline you have a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Brookline is safer than 73% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Brookline has decreased by 1%

      Brookline, MA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Brookline

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        See all Brookline poll results

        Daily Crime In Brookline (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Brookline, Massachusetts is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Brookline are 1.39 times less than the Massachusetts average and 2.32 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Brookline are 3.07 times less than than Massachusetts and 3.52 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Brookline are 1.19 times less than than Massachusetts and 2.18 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Brookline (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Brookline, Massachusetts compared to other areas of Massachusetts, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Brookline safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Brookline is safer than 63% of Massachusetts cities, and 73% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Massachusetts, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Brookline. At this time, Brookline sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Brookline

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Brookline is 1 in 952
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Brookline is 1 in 112
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Brookline is 1 in 100
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Brookline, Massachusetts you have a 1 in 952 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 112 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Brookline.

        Year Over Year Crime In Brookline (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Brookline is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Brookline has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 62% in Brookline, while property crimes in Brookline have decreased by 5%. Total crime has decreased by 1% year over year.

        Brookline police department

        Item Brookline Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)18311,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.12.23.3
        There are a total of 183 Brookline police officers. This results in 3.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 42.4% greater than the Massachusetts average and 5.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Dover, MA2,51885119203
        Nahant, MA3,51230211241
        Winchester, MA22,76040271311
        Sharon, MA6,21738275313
        Lexington, MA33,30444286330
        Medfield, MA6,66876267343
        Wellesley, MA28,74761376437
        Brookline, MA59,2231058961,001

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bartlett, TN59,2522411,9522,192
        Royal Oak, MI59,256128797925
        St. Clair Shores, MI59,1841778761,053
        San Rafael, CA59,1785353,0173,552
        Fountainebleau, FL59,1743572,1562,512
        Brookline, MA59,2231058961,001
        Source: The Brookline, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.