A vehicle makes it easier for people to work and to conduct daily business, such as doctor's visits and shopping. Ready access to transportation can also make it simpler to be involved in schools, religious organizations, and other forms of civic life. While a vehicle can be an asset, repairs and insurance costs also can be a financial burden. Vehicle access is less critical in areas with robust public transportation, and some urban residents choose transit, cycling and walking over car ownership.

In 2017-21, 28% of households in Brookline did not have access to a vehicle. This was higher than the state rate of 12% and the national rate of 8%. The rate in Brookline increased by 8 points since 2000, while rates in Massachusetts and across the country declined by 1 point and 2 points respectively.

Among comparison localities, only Cambridge, at 33%, had a higher rate of residents without access to a vehicle than Brookline. Everett and Arlington had lower rates at 20% and 10% respectively.

The multiyear figures are from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The bureau combined five years of responses to the survey to provide estimates for smaller geographic areas and increase the precision of its estimates. The survey provides data on characteristics of the population that used to be collected only during the decennial census. Data for this indicator are expected to be released annually in December.