Melrose Heights Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Is Melrose Heights Safe?
Melrose Heights in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 142, which is 42% above the national average of 100. Melrose Heights is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Melrose Heights is 8% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 162, 62% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 5). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Overall, Melrose Heights is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Melrose Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Columbia city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
5 | -95% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
How Melrose Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Melrose Heights vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Melrose Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Melrose Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Melrose Heights, Columbia?
Melrose Heights in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 142, which is 42% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Melrose Heights is 8% higher. Melrose Heights is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is Melrose Heights a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Melrose Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 162), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 5).
How does Melrose Heights compare to the rest of Columbia?
Melrose Heights's overall crime index is 142, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Melrose Heights is 8% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 133, and for property crime it is 95. 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 Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Melrose Heights is Assault, with a crime index of 162 (62% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Melrose Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Old Shandon, Forest Hills, Oakwood Court and Heathwood West. These areas are close to Melrose Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Melrose Heights?
Melrose Heights has a population of approximately 1,561. The median household income is $73,474. The median home value is $354,509. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Melrose Heights crime compare to the national average?
Melrose Heights's overall crime rate is 42% above the national average (index 142 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 58% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.