| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Melrose/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 158 | n/a (estimate) | 530 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 13.4 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 26 | n/a | 87.3 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 101 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 40.3 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 100 | n/a | 335.8 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 53.7 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 128 | n/a (estimate) | 430 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Melrose crime rate is lower than the national average by 75%. Specifically, there were 30 violent crimes in Melrose, equivalent to 101 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 72%. Furthermore, Melrose recorded 128 property crimes, amounting to 430 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 75.6%.
With a crime rate of 530, significantly below the national average of 2119, Melrose stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
With only 101 incidents per 100,000 people, Melrose boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Melrose has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
Melrose showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Melrose records a property crime rate of 430 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Melrose as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Melrose residents. Out of the respondents (42 in total), 86% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Melrose were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 14% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Melrose, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Melrose presents a total crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Melrose experiences an average of 0.43 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 0.35 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Melrose crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Melrose has decreased by 10.7% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has decreased by 12.9%.
Melrose has a poverty rate of 3.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Melrose currently has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Melrose has a population density of 6223.6 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Melrose crime rates.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Melrose | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 41 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boxford, MA | 3,040 | 0 | 145 | 145 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Wellesley, MA | 29,744 | 47 | 485 | 532 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Schererville, IN | 29,136 | 125 | 1,265 | 1,389 |
| Williamsport, PA | 29,130 | 336 | 1,960 | 2,296 |
| Greenville, TX | 29,176 | 213 | 1,211 | 1,424 |
| Oakleaf Plantation, FL | 29,179 | 216 | 1,149 | 1,365 |
| Burton, MI | 29,181 | 765 | 2,333 | 3,098 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
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