| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Melrose Park/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 484 | n/a (estimate) | 2,075 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 8.6 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 42.9 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 60.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 45 | n/a | 192.9 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 304 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 95 | n/a | 407.3 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 252 | n/a | 1,080.3 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 66 | n/a | 282.9 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 413 | n/a (estimate) | 1,770 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Melrose Park is 2.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 71 violent crimes reported in Melrose Park, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 15.2%. Additionally, Melrose Park recorded 413 property crimes, amounting to 1770 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 0.6%.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Melrose Park per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Melrose Park crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Melrose Park maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Melrose Park, 1770 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
Is Melrose Park a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Melrose Park has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 2%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.33 daily incidents, encompassing 0.19 violent crimes and 1.13 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Melrose Park as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Melrose Park. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Melrose Park has increased by 23.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 4.1%, while property crimes have increased by 30.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Melrose Park reports an unemployment rate of 4.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Melrose Park crime rates.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Melrose Park is $356,164, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Melrose Park has an average rental rate of $1,603 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Melrose Park | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 84 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Stone Park, IL | 4,997 | 92 | 138 | 230 |
| Western Springs, IL | 13,775 | 8 | 273 | 280 |
| Indian Head Park, IL | 3,873 | 0 | 312 | 312 |
| Kenilworth, IL | 2,429 | 0 | 380 | 380 |
| Willow Springs, IL | 5,786 | 0 | 390 | 390 |
| Winfield, IL | 10,018 | 59 | 345 | 404 |
| Inverness, IL | 8,231 | 14 | 402 | 416 |
| Melrose Park, IL | 26,171 | 304 | 1,770 | 2,075 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Haines City, FL | 26,146 | 132 | 794 | 926 |
| Dedham, MA | 26,137 | 272 | 1,325 | 1,597 |
| Soledad, CA | 26,210 | 257 | 527 | 785 |
| Coral Terrace, FL | 26,129 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| Lochearn, MD | 26,216 | 554 | 2,702 | 3,256 |
| Melrose Park, IL | 26,171 | 304 | 1,770 | 2,075 |