Downtown Neighborhood, Melrose

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Melrose

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 146 / 300 High
Violent Crime 102
2% above national avg
Property Crime 63
37% below national avg
City Ranking
13%
safer than other
Melrose neighborhoods

Is Downtown Safe?

Downtown in Melrose, MA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 146, which is 46% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Melrose.

Compared to the Melrose average (crime index 83), Downtown is 63% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 131, 31% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 28). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Overall, Downtown 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.

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 131 (31% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 28 (72% below avg)

Downtown Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
129 +29% Moderate
Assault
131 +31% Moderate
Robbery
41 -59% Low
Rape
106 +6% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
52 -48% Low
Larceny / Theft
28 -72% Low
Vehicle Theft
108 +8% Moderate

How Downtown Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown 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

Downtown Demographics & Context

Population
2,473
Median Income
$83,697
Home Value
$634,286
Median Age
44
Pop. Density
8,372/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 33.3%
Graduate Degree 19.7%

Housing

45%
55%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 84%
Black 6.4%
Hispanic 4.2%
Asian 4.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Cedar Park Index: 82
A+
Wyoming Index: 143
A
East Side Index: 23
A+
Melrose Highlands Index: 91
A
Oak Grove / Pine Banks Index: 144
A-
Horace Mann Index: 25
A+
Mount Hood Index: 12
A+
Downtown Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Melrose Crime Statistics
View all Melrose neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown, Melrose?

Downtown in Melrose, MA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 146, which is 46% above the national average. Compared to the Melrose average, crime in Downtown is 63% higher. Downtown is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Melrose.

Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Melrose?

Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Melrose, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 131), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 28). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Melrose.

How does Downtown compare to the rest of Melrose?

Downtown's overall crime index is 146, compared to the Melrose average of 83. This means crime in Downtown is 63% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 102, and for property crime it is 63. 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 Downtown?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Assault, with a crime index of 131 (31% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cedar Park, Wyoming, East Side and Melrose Highlands. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown?

Downtown has a population of approximately 2,473. The median household income is $83,697. The median home value is $634,286. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?

Downtown's overall crime rate is 46% above the national average (index 146 vs 100). Within Melrose, it is safer than 13% 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.