Is Brookline or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookline is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 74/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 995 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 82% lower. Brookline has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brookline has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 24.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brookline — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookline, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookline | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 995.0 | 5,458.5 | -4,463.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 99.8 | 910.3 | -810.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 4.7 | 46.1 | -41.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.6 | 273.2 | -257.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 79.5 | 572.5 | -492.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 895.2 | 4,548.2 | -3,653.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 85.8 | 319.0 | -233.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 784.4 | 3,223.6 | -2,439.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 25.0 | 1,005.6 | -980.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookline or Philadelphia safer?
Brookline is safer with a total crime rate of 995 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookline has a violent crime rate of 99.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Brookline has lower violent crime.
About Brookline, MA
Brookline, Massachusetts, a town surrounded by Boston, is home to the historic Coolidge Corner Theatre. This affluent community, with a significant Jewish population, boasts tree-lined streets and a dense, educated populace. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 64,122, Brookline has a total crime rate of 995.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.