Melrose Neighborhood, Iowa City
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Iowa City
Safety at a Glance
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in Iowa City
Is Melrose Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Melrose in Iowa City, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100. Melrose is safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Iowa City.
Compared to the Iowa City average (crime index 122), Melrose is 41% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 128).
Melrose Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Iowa City city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Assault
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Rape
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
How Melrose Compares
Crime index by category: Melrose vs Iowa City 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.
See the crime score for a specific address
Melrose Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Melrose, Iowa City?
Melrose in Iowa City, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Iowa City average, crime in Melrose is 41% higher. Melrose is safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Iowa City.
Is Melrose a safe neighborhood in Iowa City?
Melrose is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Iowa City, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 183), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 128).
How does Melrose compare to the rest of Iowa City?
Melrose's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Iowa City average of 122. This means crime in Melrose is 41% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 158. 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 Robbery, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Melrose?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Miller Orchard, University District, West Riverfront and Central Crossing. 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 630. The median household income is $33,502. The median home value is $367,073. 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 63% above the national average (index 163 vs 100). Within Iowa City, it is safer than 14% 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 April 2026.