| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Melrose/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 161 | n/a (estimate) | 555 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 3.4 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 10.3 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 44.8 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 59 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 79.3 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 108 | n/a | 372.2 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 44.8 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 144 | n/a (estimate) | 496 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
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 is 76.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes reported in Melrose, equivalent to 59 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 84.2%. Additionally, Melrose recorded 144 property crimes, amounting to 496 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 74.6%.
Boasting a crime rate of 555, well below the national average of 2324, Melrose emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Melrose to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Melrose stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 59 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Melrose secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a 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 496 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Melrose as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Melrose residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 85% of Melrose residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 15% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Melrose is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Melrose has an overall crime rate that is 76% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.44 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Melrose as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Melrose. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Melrose has decreased by 9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 43.3%, while property crime has decreased by 2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Melrose.
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 2.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Melrose crime rates. Melrose registers a population density of 5990 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Melrose, the cost of living is 45.62% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
| 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 | 2,925 | 12 | 49 | 61 |
| Dover, MA | 2,518 | 85 | 119 | 203 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,512 | 30 | 211 | 241 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,046 | 61 | 365 | 425 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| Melrose, MA | 28,054 | 59 | 496 | 555 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | 28,056 | 334 | 1,825 | 2,159 |
| Immokalee, FL | 28,060 | 441 | 2,665 | 3,105 |
| Bethany, OR | 28,047 | 144 | 1,233 | 1,376 |
| East Chicago, IN | 28,044 | 472 | 2,382 | 2,854 |
| Zionsville, IN | 28,035 | 15 | 359 | 375 |
| Melrose, MA | 28,054 | 59 | 496 | 555 |
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