Merlow Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Portland
Is Merlow Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Merlow in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 52, which is 48% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Merlow is 50% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Portland as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 113, 13% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 40). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Merlow Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Portland city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
42 | -58% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
40 | -60% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
How Merlow Compares
Crime index by category: Merlow vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Merlow Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Merlow Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Merlow, Portland?
Merlow in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 52, which is 48% below the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Merlow is 50% lower.
Is Merlow a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Merlow is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 113), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 40).
How does Merlow compare to the rest of Portland?
Merlow's overall crime index is 52, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Merlow is 50% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 54, and for property crime it is 105. 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 Merlow?
The most prevalent crime type in Merlow is Burglary, with a crime index of 113 (13% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Merlow?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Rose City Park, Hollywood, North Tabor and Beaumont-Wilshire. These areas are close to Merlow and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Merlow?
Merlow has a population of approximately 286. The median household income is $97,449. The median home value is $703,752. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Merlow crime compare to the national average?
Merlow's overall crime rate is 48% below the national average (index 52 vs 100). 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.