| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Brookline/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 638 | n/a (estimate) | 995 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 4.7 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 15.6 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 51 | n/a | 79.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 64 | n/a (estimate) | 100 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 55 | n/a | 85.8 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 503 | n/a | 784.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 25.0 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 574 | n/a (estimate) | 895 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 53.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 64 violent crimes reported in Brookline, equivalent to 100 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 72.2%. Additionally, Brookline recorded 574 property crimes, amounting to 895 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 49.1%.
Brookline shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 100 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Brookline an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Brookline 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Brookline? Well, based on a recent survey of 20 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 85% of Brookline residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 15% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Brookline is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Brookline has an overall crime rate that is 53% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.75 daily occurrences, comprising 0.18 violent crimes and 1.57 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Brookline as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Brookline has increased by 5.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Brookline, 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 64.1%, while property crime has increased by 1.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Brookline is a safe place to live.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Brookline, the cost of living is 120.75% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Brookline, the average rental rates are $3,450 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Brookline | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 183 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sharon, MA | 6,394 | 37 | 240 | 277 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| West Concord, MA | 7,498 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Brookline, MA | 60,923 | 100 | 895 | 995 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Vineland, NJ | 60,891 | 437 | 2,685 | 3,123 |
| St. Clair Shores, MI | 60,856 | 185 | 1,065 | 1,251 |
| Fountainebleau, FL | 60,828 | 290 | 1,543 | 1,833 |
| Porterville, CA | 61,051 | 385 | 1,482 | 1,867 |
| Corvallis, OR | 60,773 | 184 | 2,512 | 2,695 |
| Brookline, MA | 60,923 | 100 | 895 | 995 |
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