Is Brookline or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookline is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 74/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 995 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 73% 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: Springfield is 2.4x 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
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookline, MA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookline | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 995.0 | 3,728.2 | -2,733.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 99.8 | 892.7 | -792.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 4.7 | 47.0 | -42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.6 | 209.0 | -193.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 79.5 | 624.5 | -544.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 895.2 | 2,835.5 | -1,940.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 85.8 | 313.8 | -228.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 784.4 | 1,856.7 | -1,072.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 25.0 | 665.0 | -640.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookline or Springfield safer?
Brookline is safer with a total crime rate of 995 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookline has a violent crime rate of 99.8 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. 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 Springfield, MA
Springfield, Massachusetts, a city on the Connecticut River, is the "City of Firsts," notably home to the invention of basketball. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents reflects a rich industrial past and a vibrant present as an economic hub. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 155,491, Springfield has a total crime rate of 3,728.2 per 100,000 residents.