Melrose, MA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 93% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026
Is Melrose Safe?
Melrose has a crime rate that is 49% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 739.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Mount Hood earn an A+ safety grade, while Oak Grove / Pine Banks rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Melrose.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 739
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
64% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 234
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
77% lower than national average
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
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
25 | -75% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
29 | -71% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
24 | -76% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
15 | -85% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Melrose Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
Where Is It Safe in Melrose?
Safety varies dramatically across Melrose's 8+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 8Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 8Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 8 neighborhoods in Melrose
All Melrose Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Hood | A+ | 12 |
| 2 | Horace Mann | A+ | 25 |
| 3 | East Side | A+ | 23 |
| 4 | Cedar Park | A+ | 82 |
| 5 | Melrose Highlands | A | 91 |
| 6 | Wyoming | A | 143 |
| 7 | Downtown | A | 146 |
| 8 | Oak Grove / Pine Banks | A- | 144 |
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, MA?
Melrose, MA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 49% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 739 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 234 chance for property crime. Melrose has lower crime than 93% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Melrose, MA safe to live in?
Melrose is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A. Approximately 100% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Mount Hood is one of the safest areas, while Oak Grove / Pine Banks has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Melrose is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Melrose?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Melrose are Mount Hood, Horace Mann, East Side, Cedar Park, and Melrose Highlands. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Melrose?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Melrose include Oak Grove / Pine Banks, Downtown, Wyoming, Melrose Highlands, and Cedar Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Melrose?
The estimated violent crime rate in Melrose is 135.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 64% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 739 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.4 per 100K (53% below average); aggravated assault at 104.7 per 100K (61% below average); robbery at 18.6 per 100K (75% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Melrose?
The estimated property crime rate in Melrose is 428.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 77% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 234 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 64.0 per 100K (76% below average); larceny/theft at 215.1 per 100K (85% below average); vehicle theft at 148.9 per 100K (53% below average).
How does Melrose crime compare to the national average?
Melrose's overall crime rate is 49% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is murder (53% below average), while larceny/theft is 85% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Melrose has lower crime than 93% of them.
Is Melrose safe to visit?
Melrose is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 77% 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. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Mount Hood, Horace Mann, East Side.
How does Melrose crime compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Melrose's crime rate is 49% below the national average, making it safer the typical Massachusetts city.
What type of crime is most common in Melrose?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Melrose, with an estimated rate of 215.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 85% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (428 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (135 per 100K) in Melrose, which is consistent with national trends.