Melrose Neighborhood, Bellingham

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Summary: Melrose, Bellingham Crime Rate (2026)

Melrose in Bellingham, WA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 69, which is 31% below the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 21, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low
Low 69 / 300 High
Violent Crime 105
5% above national avg
Property Crime 136
36% above national avg

Check a specific address

in Bellingham

Is Melrose Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Melrose in Bellingham, WA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 69, which is 31% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Bellingham average (crime index 107), Melrose is 38% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Bellingham as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 150, 50% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 75). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Rape · Index 150 (50% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 75 (25% below avg)

Melrose Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Bellingham city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
84 -16% Average
Assault
110 +10% Moderate
Robbery
75 -25% Low
Rape
150 +50% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
128 +28% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
134 +34% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
145 +45% Moderate

How Melrose Compares

Crime index by category: Melrose vs Bellingham average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Melrose Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Melrose Demographics & Context

Population
42
Median Income
$100,745
Home Value
$865,508
Median Age
47
Pop. Density
706/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 25.6%
Graduate Degree 23.6%

Housing

86%
14%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 88%
Black 0.8%
Hispanic 3.2%
Asian 4.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Samish Index: 55
A
South Index: 105
A
Happy Valley Index: 174
A-
Western Washington University Index: 34
A+
Edgemoor Index: 127
A
South Hill Index: 135
A
Fairhaven Index: 125
A
Sehome Index: 150
A-
Melrose Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Bellingham Crime Statistics
View all Bellingham neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Melrose, Bellingham?

Melrose in Bellingham, WA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 69, which is 31% below the national average. Compared to the Bellingham average, crime in Melrose is 38% lower.

Is Melrose a safe neighborhood in Bellingham?

Melrose is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Bellingham, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 150), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 75).

How does Melrose compare to the rest of Bellingham?

Melrose's overall crime index is 69, compared to the Bellingham average of 107. This means crime in Melrose is 38% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 105, and for property crime it is 136. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Melrose?

The most prevalent crime type in Melrose is Rape, with a crime index of 150 (50% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Melrose?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Samish, South, Happy Valley and Western Washington University. These areas are close to Melrose and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Melrose?

Melrose has a population of approximately 42. The median household income is $100,745. The median home value is $865,508. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Melrose crime compare to the national average?

Melrose's overall crime rate is 31% below the national average (index 69 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.