Washington Square Neighborhood, Brookline
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Brookline
Safety at a Glance
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in Brookline
Is Washington Square Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Washington Square in Brookline, MA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average of 100. Washington Square is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Brookline.
Compared to the Brookline average (crime index 115), Washington Square is 17% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 174, 74% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 60). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Washington Square Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Brookline city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Assault
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Rape
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
168 | +68% | High | |
How Washington Square Compares
Crime index by category: Washington Square vs Brookline average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Washington Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Washington Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Washington Square, Brookline?
Washington Square in Brookline, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average. Compared to the Brookline average, crime in Washington Square is 17% higher. Washington Square is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Brookline.
Is Washington Square a safe neighborhood in Brookline?
Washington Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Brookline, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 174), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 60). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Brookline.
How does Washington Square compare to the rest of Brookline?
Washington Square's overall crime index is 132, compared to the Brookline average of 115. This means crime in Washington Square is 17% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 135, and for property crime it is 166. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Washington Square?
The most prevalent crime type in Washington Square is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 174 (74% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Washington Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Brookline Hills, Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. These areas are close to Washington Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Washington Square?
Washington Square has a population of approximately 7,229. The median household income is $123,621. The median home value is $1,331,714. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Washington Square crime compare to the national average?
Washington Square's overall crime rate is 32% above the national average (index 132 vs 100). Within Brookline, it is safer than 50% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.