Melrose Heights Neighborhood, Oakland

Crime Rate & Statistics

High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates

Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Oakland

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 180 / 300 High

Violent Crime 162

62% above national avg

Property Crime 136

36% above national avg

City Ranking

12%

safer than other

Oakland neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Oakland

Is Melrose Heights Safe?

No — this is a high-crime area. Melrose Heights in Oakland, CA has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 180, which is 80% above the national average of 100. Melrose Heights is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Oakland.

Compared to the Oakland average (crime index 135), Melrose Heights is 45% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 182, 82% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 91). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Highest Risk

Rape · Index 182 (82% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 91 (9% below avg)

Melrose Heights Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Oakland	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	170	+70%	+46%	High
Assault	173	+73%	+33%	High
Robbery	122	+22%	+22%	Moderate
Rape	182	+82%	N/A	High
Property Crime
Burglary	91	-9%	-9%	Average
Larceny / Theft	141	+41%	+16%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	175	+75%	+47%	High

How Melrose Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Melrose Heights vs Oakland average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Melrose Heights 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

See the crime score for a specific address

Melrose Heights Demographics & Context

Population

662

Median Income

$49,316

Home Value

$871,889

Median Age

Pop. Density

15,886/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 13.9%

Graduate Degree 6.5%

Housing

50%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 14.2%

Black 38.1%

Hispanic 29.6%

Asian 17.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Wentworth Holland Index: 170

C-

C-

C-

C-

C+

Melrose Heights Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Oakland Crime Statistics

View all Oakland neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Melrose Heights, Oakland?

Melrose Heights in Oakland, CA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 180, which is 80% above the national average. Compared to the Oakland average, crime in Melrose Heights is 45% higher. Melrose Heights is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Oakland.

Is Melrose Heights a safe neighborhood in Oakland?

Melrose Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 182), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 91).

How does Melrose Heights compare to the rest of Oakland?

Melrose Heights's overall crime index is 180, compared to the Oakland average of 135. This means crime in Melrose Heights is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 162, and for property crime it is 136. 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 Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Melrose Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 182 (82% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Melrose Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairfax and Jefferson. These areas are close to Melrose Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Melrose Heights?

Melrose Heights has a population of approximately 662. The median household income is $49,316. The median home value is $871,889. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Melrose Heights crime compare to the national average?

Melrose Heights's overall crime rate is 80% above the national average (index 180 vs 100). Within Oakland, it is safer than 12% 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 April 2026.