Melrose, IA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 98% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Melrose Safe?
Yes — Melrose is extremely safe
One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Melrose has a crime rate that is 53% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 627.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 627
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
58% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 193
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
72% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Melrose Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
37 | -63% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
46 | -54% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
8 | -92% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Melrose Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Melrose Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Melrose zip codes.
Melrose Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Melrose, IA?
Melrose, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 627 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 193 chance for property crime. Melrose has lower crime than 98% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Melrose, IA safe to live in?
Melrose is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Melrose is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in Melrose?
The estimated violent crime rate in Melrose is 159.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 58% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 627 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 1.8 per 100K (63% below average); aggravated assault at 122.3 per 100K (54% below average); robbery at 24.0 per 100K (67% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Melrose?
The estimated property crime rate in Melrose is 517.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 72% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 193 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 133.3 per 100K (51% below average); larceny/theft at 357.5 per 100K (74% below average); vehicle theft at 26.4 per 100K (92% below average).
How does Melrose crime compare to the national average?
Melrose's overall crime rate is 53% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (51% below average), while vehicle theft is 92% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Melrose has lower crime than 98% of them.
Is Melrose safe to visit?
Melrose is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 72% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.
How does Melrose crime compare to the rest of Iowa?
Iowa as a whole has crime that is 14% above the national average. Melrose's crime rate is 53% below the national average, making it safer the typical Iowa city.
What type of crime is most common in Melrose?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Melrose, with an estimated rate of 357.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 74% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (517 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (160 per 100K) in Melrose, which is consistent with national trends.