East Side Neighborhood, Melrose
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 63% of neighborhoods in Melrose
Safety at a Glance
Is East Side Safe?
East Side in Melrose, MA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 23, which is 77% below the national average of 100. East Side is safer than 63% of neighborhoods in Melrose.
Compared to the Melrose average (crime index 83), East Side is 60% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Melrose as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 43, 57% below average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 8).
Overall, East Side 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.
East Side 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
|
30 | -70% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
31 | -69% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
18 | -82% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
8 | -92% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
8 | -92% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
43 | -57% | Low | |
How East Side Compares
Crime index by category: East Side vs Melrose average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
East Side Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
East Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in East Side, Melrose?
East Side in Melrose, MA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 23, which is 77% below the national average. Compared to the Melrose average, crime in East Side is 60% lower. East Side is safer than 63% of neighborhoods in Melrose.
Is East Side a safe neighborhood in Melrose?
East Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Melrose, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 43), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 8). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Melrose.
How does East Side compare to the rest of Melrose?
East Side's overall crime index is 23, compared to the Melrose average of 83. This means crime in East Side is 60% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 26, and for property crime it is 20. 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 East Side?
The most prevalent crime type in East Side is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 43 (57% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near East Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown, Mount Hood, Horace Mann and Oak Grove / Pine Banks. These areas are close to East Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of East Side?
East Side has a population of approximately 7,714. The median household income is $145,077. The median home value is $890,715. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does East Side crime compare to the national average?
East Side's overall crime rate is 77% below the national average (index 23 vs 100). Within Melrose, it is safer than 63% 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.