Melrose, MA Crime Map

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on crime and safety in Melrose, Massachusetts. If you're searching for detailed insights, our Melrose crime map provides an in-depth look at the city's safety landscape, helping residents and visitors make informed decisions. With an impressive overall crime grade of A (Very Safe) and an average crime score of 0.037, Melrose stands out as a secure community in Middlesex County. Notably, 100% of the 8 neighborhoods analyzed earn an A grade, showcasing the city's consistent commitment to safety. Whether you're considering a move to this charming city of 28,054 residents or simply exploring its vibrant streets, understanding the Melrose crime rate and neighborhood dynamics is essential. This guide dives into the safest areas, local crime trends, and practical tips to help you navigate Melrose with confidence.

Understanding Melrose's Safety Landscape

Melrose, Massachusetts, located in Middlesex County, is a small yet thriving city with a population of 28,054 and a density of 2,312 people per square mile. Known for its suburban charm, excellent schools, and proximity to Boston, Melrose offers a high quality of life, underscored by a median household income of $114,604 and a median home value of $599,149. Safety is a key factor in the city's appeal, and the Melrose crime map reveals a consistently low crime rate across its neighborhoods. With 61% of residents holding a college degree and a poverty rate of just 3.9%, the socioeconomic stability of Melrose contributes to its secure environment. For those seeking reliable data on national crime trends, the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program offers valuable context to understand how Melrose compares to other U.S. cities.

The city's crime statistics paint a reassuring picture. All 8 neighborhoods analyzed on the Melrose crime map receive an A grade, placing them in the safest category. This uniform distribution of safety is rare and highlights the community's proactive approach to maintaining peace and order. Whether you're a family looking for a safe place to settle or a visitor exploring the area, understanding the Melrose safety landscape provides peace of mind. In the following sections, we'll break down the safest neighborhoods in Melrose, identify areas that may require slightly more awareness, and explore the factors influencing local crime trends.

Safest Neighborhoods in Melrose

When it comes to safe neighborhoods in Melrose, the city shines with an impressive roster of secure communities. The Melrose crime map identifies several standout areas where residents enjoy exceptionally low crime rates and a strong sense of community. Below, we highlight the top five safest neighborhoods, each earning an A or A+ crime grade, making them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

• Mount Hood: With a crime grade of A+ and a population of 1,842, Mount Hood is a top-tier safe haven. Its median income of $144,309 reflects a prosperous community that prioritizes safety and quality of life.
• Horace Mann: Also boasting an A+ crime grade, Horace Mann houses 2,981 residents and offers a median income of $150,689. This neighborhood is a prime example of Melrose safety at its finest.
• East Side: Home to 7,714 residents, East Side earns an A+ grade on the Melrose crime map. With a median income of $145,077, it combines affluence with a secure environment.
• Cedar Park: This smaller neighborhood of 1,576 residents secures an A+ crime grade. A median income of $125,154 supports a stable and safe community atmosphere.
• Melrose Highlands: With a population of 4,224 and a median income of $112,296, Melrose Highlands earns a solid A grade, rounding out the list of top safe neighborhoods in Melrose.

These neighborhoods exemplify why the Melrose crime rate is among the lowest in the region. Whether you're drawn to the larger, bustling East Side or the quaint charm of Mount Hood, these areas provide a secure foundation for living and thriving in Melrose.

Areas Requiring Greater Awareness

While Melrose is overwhelmingly safe, with all neighborhoods earning an A grade or higher on the Melrose crime map, some areas show slightly more variation in safety metrics compared to the top-tier communities. It's important to approach this topic with balance—crime in Melrose remains low across the board, and these neighborhoods are still considered safe by national standards. However, residents and visitors may wish to exercise a bit more caution in certain areas, particularly during late hours or in less crowded spaces.

For instance, Oak Grove / Pine Banks, with a population of 4,655 and a median income of $90,057, earns an A- grade. While still very safe, it ranks slightly lower than areas like Mount Hood or Horace Mann. Similarly, Downtown (population 2,473, median income $83,697) and Wyoming (population 3,708, median income $91,880) both hold an A grade but may experience more foot traffic or minor incidents due to their central or commercial nature. Melrose Highlands (A grade) and Cedar Park (A+ grade) also fall into the broader safe category but are mentioned here for completeness. These areas benefit from community vigilance and local law enforcement presence, ensuring that crime in Melrose remains minimal even in relatively busier zones.

For those concerned about safety in these neighborhoods, simple precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and staying aware of surroundings can go a long way. The Melrose crime map serves as a helpful tool to visualize these subtle differences, reinforcing that even the areas requiring greater awareness are still safe places to live and visit.

Crime Trends and Local Factors

Understanding the factors behind the Melrose crime rate requires a closer look at both historical trends and current community dynamics. The city's uniformly high safety ratings—100% of neighborhoods earning an A or A+ on the Melrose crime map—suggest effective policing, engaged residents, and socioeconomic stability as key contributors. With a low unemployment rate of 4.2% and a poverty rate of just 3.9%, Melrose benefits from economic conditions that often correlate with reduced crime. Additionally, the high percentage of college-educated residents (61%) fosters a community focused on long-term growth and safety.

Local crime trends, as reflected in the Melrose crime map, indicate that violent crime is exceptionally rare, with most reported incidents involving minor property issues, if any. The city's proximity to Boston allows for access to regional resources and law enforcement collaboration, further bolstering Melrose safety. Community programs, neighborhood watch groups, and active civic engagement also play a significant role in maintaining low crime levels. For broader insights into state and national crime patterns, the Bureau of Justice Statistics provides authoritative data that contextualizes Melrose's favorable standing.

Environmental factors, such as well-lit streets, accessible public spaces, and maintained infrastructure, contribute to the city's secure atmosphere. Seasonal trends show minimal fluctuation in the Melrose crime rate, though residents are encouraged to remain vigilant during holiday periods when minor thefts may see a slight uptick. Overall, the combination of proactive local governance and a tight-knit community ensures that crime in Melrose remains a low concern for most residents and visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melrose safe?

Yes, Melrose is considered very safe, with an overall crime grade of A (Very Safe) on the Melrose crime map. All 8 neighborhoods analyzed earn an A or A+ rating, placing the city among the safest in Middlesex County and beyond. Violent crime is rare, and the community's socioeconomic stability—evidenced by a median household income of $114,604 and a poverty rate of 3.9%—further supports a secure environment. Residents and visitors can feel confident navigating Melrose, though standard safety precautions are always recommended.

What is the crime rate in Melrose?

The Melrose crime rate is exceptionally low, reflected in an average crime score of 0.037 across the city. According to the Melrose crime map, 100% of neighborhoods fall into the A grade category for safety, with top areas like Mount Hood and Horace Mann achieving an A+ rating. This distribution highlights Melrose as a standout community for safety, with minimal incidents reported compared to national averages.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Melrose?

The safest neighborhoods in Melrose, as identified by the Melrose crime map, include Mount Hood (A+), Horace Mann (A+), East Side (A+), Cedar Park (A+), and Melrose Highlands (A). These areas consistently report the lowest crime rates and offer strong community vibes, making them ideal for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. Each neighborhood benefits from economic stability and active resident engagement, reinforcing their status as top safe havens.

Is Melrose a good place to live?

Absolutely, Melrose is an excellent place to live, combining safety, affordability, and a high quality of life. The Melrose crime rate is among the lowest in the region, with all neighborhoods earning high safety grades on the Melrose crime map. Beyond safety, the city offers a median household income of $114,604, a highly educated population (61% college-educated), and a median home value of $599,149, reflecting a stable and desirable housing market. Its proximity to Boston, excellent schools, and community-focused atmosphere make it a top choice for families and professionals alike.

Exploring Melrose with Confidence

Melrose, Massachusetts, stands as a beacon of safety and community strength, as evidenced by the Melrose crime map and its uniform A-grade neighborhoods. Whether you're drawn to the secure streets of Mount Hood or the vibrant yet safe East Side, the city's low Melrose crime rate offers reassurance for residents and visitors alike. By staying informed about local safety trends and practicing basic precautions, you can fully enjoy all that Melrose has to offer—from its historic charm to its modern amenities. Use this guide and the Melrose crime map as your tools to navigate the city with confidence, knowing you're in one of the safest communities in the region.