Braintree, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Braintree, MA

What is Braintree's overall crime grade, and how does it compare to other cities?

Braintree earns an overall crime grade of B+, which places it well above average compared to most U.S. cities and comfortably ahead of many Massachusetts communities. To put that in perspective, a B+ grade typically means the city outperforms roughly 70–80% of similarly sized towns nationwide. With a population of approximately 37,196 and a population density of just 1,043 residents per square mile, Braintree's relatively spread-out suburban layout contributes to lower crime concentration compared to denser urban neighbors. The city's median household income of $101,544 and a poverty rate of only 4.3% — far below the national average of around 12% — are strong socioeconomic indicators that correlate with reduced crime risk across all categories.

What types of crime are most common in Braintree, and what do the numbers look like?

Like most suburban communities in Massachusetts, Braintree sees property crime as its dominant crime category, accounting for the large majority of reported incidents. Theft-related offenses — including shoplifting, motor vehicle theft, and larceny — make up the bulk of property crime reports. Violent crime, by contrast, represents a much smaller share of total incidents and occurs at rates significantly below national benchmarks. Braintree's unemployment rate of 4.2% and its low poverty rate of 4.3% help suppress the economic pressures that often drive crime upward. Residents in neighborhoods near the South Braintree commercial corridor and the Town Center area should remain most alert to opportunistic property crimes, as higher foot traffic and retail density tend to attract those incidents. The Highlands and West Braintree residential pockets consistently reflect the city's stronger safety profile.

Is Braintree safe compared to the rest of Massachusetts?

Yes — with a B+ overall crime grade, Braintree ranks among the safer communities in the Greater Boston region. Massachusetts as a whole has a mixed safety profile, with cities like Boston, Springfield, and Worcester pulling state averages downward. Braintree's suburban character, combined with a median home value of $488,132 and a low poverty rate of 4.3%, creates a stable residential environment. The city's 4.2% unemployment rate is also close to or below the state average, reducing one of the key economic drivers of crime. When you layer in active community policing and neighborhood watch participation — particularly strong in the Highlands and South Braintree districts — the data supports Braintree's reputation as a genuinely safe place to live and work.

Which neighborhoods in Braintree are considered the safest?

While granular block-level crime grades shift over time, certain Braintree neighborhoods consistently reflect the city's B+ overall safety profile. The West Braintree area, with its quiet residential streets and lower density, tends to see minimal incident reports. The Highlands neighborhood benefits from strong community cohesion and active neighborhood watch engagement. Areas near Braintree Town Center offer high visibility and regular police presence, which deters many opportunistic crimes. South Braintree, while more commercially active and therefore slightly more exposed to property crime, still performs well relative to comparable suburban districts. Prospective residents should review the Braintree crime map regularly, as seasonal patterns — particularly a modest uptick in vehicle break-ins during summer months — can shift localized risk temporarily.

Is Braintree a good place to live based on safety and quality-of-life data?

The data makes a strong case for Braintree. A B+ crime grade combined with a median household income of $101,544 — nearly double the national median — signals a community where economic stability and public safety reinforce each other. The poverty rate of just 4.3% is roughly one-third the national average, and the unemployment rate of 4.2% reflects a healthy local labor market. Housing is substantial, with a median home value of $488,132 and a median rent of $1,501, indicating demand from households who value the area's safety and amenities. MBTA Red Line access, strong public schools, and proximity to Boston round out a profile that consistently attracts families, young professionals, and retirees. On balance, Braintree's safety metrics and socioeconomic indicators place it among the most livable communities in Norfolk County.

How can I use the Braintree crime map to make smarter safety decisions?

The Braintree crime map is most powerful when used with an understanding of what the data actually means. A B+ overall grade tells you the city is safe in aggregate, but the map lets you drill into specifics — identifying whether a spike in incidents is concentrated near a commercial strip in South Braintree or scattered across West Braintree's residential blocks. Focus on crime type filters: if property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) makes up the overwhelming share of incidents, your risk mitigation strategy looks very different than in a city with elevated violent crime. Given Braintree's low poverty rate of 4.3% and strong income base, the map will typically confirm that violent incidents are rare outliers rather than patterns. Check the map monthly, pay attention to temporal trends around holidays and summer months, and cross-reference with Braintree Police Department alerts to stay ahead of any emerging hotspots in neighborhoods like the Town Center or South Braintree corridor.