MassachusettsPop. 63,266Smaller cities
Is Brookline a Good Place to Live? Brookline, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brookline ranks #2 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,101, #34 of 524) and low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476), and trails on expensive homes ($1,246,800, #506 of 524) and high rents ($2,835/mo, #504 of 524).
Brookline by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brookline's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Brookline?
Brookline's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,835/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,122,975, 70% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Brookline | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,122,975#1135 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,559/mo#1088 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,246,800#1280 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,835/mo#1278 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.8x#1251 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.9%#890 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Brookline housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Brookline is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Brookline safe?
Brookline recorded 124 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% below the US rate of 328 and 59% below Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #186 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #80 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brookline Police Department. Property crime runs 724 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Brookline | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 124#186 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 724#100 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Brookline?
The median household in Brookline earns $142,101, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 36% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Brookline | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $142,101#58 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Brookline?
The median resident of Brookline is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 85.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #3 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brookline | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 85.4%#3 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Brookline's schools and health?
Brookline's 10 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $27,892 spent per pupil. 20.6% of adults are obese and 7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Brookline | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.2#104 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $27,892#24 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 20.6%#25 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7%#47 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 3%#2 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,909 students are enrolled in Brookline's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Brookline?
The average commute in Brookline is 27.1 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 18.1% of workers take transit and 30.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brookline scores 15.4 of 20 (most walkable), #21 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.8°F and winters 32.5°F, with 43.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Brookline | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 28.4% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 18.1% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 14.9% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 4% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 30.1% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.4#21 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.5 | 20.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 42.3 | 21.6 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 48.9 | 29.5 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 61.2 | 39 | 4 |
| May | 71.3 | 47.9 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 80.4 | 57.3 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 85.7 | 62.8 | 3 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 60.6 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 76.8 | 52.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 65.7 | 41.2 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 54.6 | 33.6 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 44.3 | 26.3 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norwood Mem Airport.
| Measure | Brookline | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norwood Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Brookline?
Norfolk County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Norfolk County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Brookline | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#135 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Norfolk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Norfolk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0091% | 74% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.003% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0043% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0017% | 20% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Brookline compare with similar-size cities?
Brookline is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #1 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 63,266.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #10 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 | 22.3 min |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #420 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 | 23.2 min |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #299 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 | 28.6 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #325 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 min |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #1099 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 | 29.3 min |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #1154 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 | 18 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Brookline compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Brookline ranks #1 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 79.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 36% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 70% above the typical Massachusetts home.
| City | Rank in MA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #1 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #2 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #3 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #4 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #5 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #6 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #7 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #8 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #9 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #10 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #11 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #12 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #13 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #14 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #15 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #16 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #17 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #18 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 |
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #19 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #20 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #21 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #22 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 |
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #23 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #24 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #25 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 |
All 25 Massachusetts cities we track, by overall score. Massachusetts statewide: median income $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Brookline's score calculated?
Brookline scores 79.5 out of 100, #2 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; growth and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Massachusetts's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Brookline. Similar-size median 55.5.
87.2 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Brookline's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
93.7 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brookline. Similar-size median 58.9.
88.0 - EducationCity data · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Brookline's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
90.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Brookline's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
20.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brookline. Similar-size median 56.1.
86.0 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brookline. Similar-size median 50.0.
87.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brookline's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
75.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
77.1 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Brookline.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brookline's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Brookline has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Brookline
Is Brookline, MA a good place to live?
Brookline ranks #2 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,101, #34 of 524) and low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476), and trails on expensive homes ($1,246,800, #506 of 524) and high rents ($2,835/mo, #504 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Brookline?
Brookline's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,835/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,122,975, 70% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Brookline?
Brookline recorded 124 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% below the US rate of 328 and 59% below Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #186 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #80 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brookline Police Department. Property crime runs 724 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Brookline?
The median household in Brookline earns $142,101, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 36% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Brookline?
Median rent in Brookline is $2,835/mo (Census), #1278 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,559/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brookline?
The typical home value in Brookline is $1,122,975, down 5.4% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,246,800.
How are the public schools in Brookline?
Brookline's 10 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $27,892 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Brookline?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brookline?
Brookline averages 52°F over the year, 71.8°F in summer and 32.5°F in winter, with 43.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Brookline walkable?
Brookline scores 15.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #21 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Brookline at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Norfolk County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Brookline?
Norfolk County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Brookline?
Brookline has 63,266 residents. The median resident of Brookline is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 85.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #3 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brookline compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Brookline ranks #1 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 79.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 36% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 70% above the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Brookline?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brookline's population of 63,266 are West Hartford, CT (#10 overall), Coon Rapids, MN (#420 overall), Hamilton, OH (#1098 overall), Moore, OK (#607 overall), and San Clemente, CA (#299 overall). Brookline is #2.