Melrose Highlands Neighborhood, Melrose

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Melrose

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 91 / 300 High
Violent Crime 80
20% below national avg
Property Crime 60
40% below national avg
City Ranking
38%
safer than other
Melrose neighborhoods

Is Melrose Highlands Safe?

Melrose Highlands in Melrose, MA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 91, which is 9% below the national average of 100. Melrose Highlands is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Melrose.

Compared to the Melrose average (crime index 83), Melrose Highlands is 8% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 112, 12% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 34).

Overall, Melrose Highlands 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
Murder · Index 112 (12% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 34 (66% below avg)

Melrose Highlands 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
112 +12% Moderate
Assault
73 -27% Low
Robbery
71 -29% Low
Rape
64 -36% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
38 -62% Low
Larceny / Theft
34 -66% Low
Vehicle Theft
109 +9% Moderate

How Melrose Highlands Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Melrose Highlands 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

Melrose Highlands Demographics & Context

Population
4,224
Median Income
$112,296
Home Value
$749,381
Median Age
48
Pop. Density
7,074/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 29.8%
Graduate Degree 29%

Housing

65%
35%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 89.8%
Black 2.5%
Hispanic 2.7%
Asian 4.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Cedar Park Index: 82
A+
Downtown Index: 146
A
Horace Mann Index: 25
A+
Wyoming Index: 143
A
East Side Index: 23
A+
Oak Grove / Pine Banks Index: 144
A-
Mount Hood Index: 12
A+
Melrose Highlands 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 Melrose Highlands, Melrose?

Melrose Highlands in Melrose, MA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 91, which is 9% below the national average. Compared to the Melrose average, crime in Melrose Highlands is 8% higher. Melrose Highlands is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Melrose.

Is Melrose Highlands a safe neighborhood in Melrose?

Melrose Highlands is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Melrose, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 112), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 34).

How does Melrose Highlands compare to the rest of Melrose?

Melrose Highlands's overall crime index is 91, compared to the Melrose average of 83. This means crime in Melrose Highlands is 8% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 80, and for property crime it is 60. 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 Highlands?

The most prevalent crime type in Melrose Highlands is Murder, with a crime index of 112 (12% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Melrose Highlands?

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

What are the demographics of Melrose Highlands?

Melrose Highlands has a population of approximately 4,224. The median household income is $112,296. The median home value is $749,381. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Melrose Highlands crime compare to the national average?

Melrose Highlands's overall crime rate is 9% below the national average (index 91 vs 100). Within Melrose, it is safer than 38% 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.