Brookline, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Brookline, MA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 1% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 232 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 40 chance for property crime. Brookline has lower crime than 32% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Brookline has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Brookline Hills is one of the safest areas, while Coolidge Corner has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Brookline is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Brookline are Brookline Hills, Washington Square, Brookline Village, and Coolidge Corner. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Brookline include Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Washington Square, and Brookline Hills. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Brookline is 431.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 232 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.3 per 100K (26% above average); aggravated assault at 311.2 per 100K (16% above average); robbery at 90.3 per 100K (22% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Brookline is 2,499.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 36% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 40 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 287.0 per 100K (6% above average); larceny/theft at 1,786.9 per 100K (27% above average); vehicle theft at 426.0 per 100K (34% above average).

Brookline's overall crime rate is 1% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (34% above average), while rape is 30% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Brookline has lower crime than 32% of them.

Visitors to Brookline should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 36% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Brookline Hills, Washington Square, Brookline Village.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Brookline's crime rate is 1% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Brookline, with an estimated rate of 1,786.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 27% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,500 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (431 per 100K) in Brookline, which is consistent with national trends.