Melrose Neighborhood, Reading
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Summary: Melrose, Reading Crime Rate (2026)
Melrose in Reading, PA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 76, which is 24% below the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 19, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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Is Melrose Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Melrose in Reading, PA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 76, which is 24% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Reading average (crime index 118), Melrose is 42% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Reading as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 174, 74% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 26). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Melrose Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Reading city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
29 | -71% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
How Melrose Compares
Crime index by category: Melrose vs Reading average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Melrose Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Melrose Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Melrose, Reading?
Melrose in Reading, PA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 76, which is 24% below the national average. Compared to the Reading average, crime in Melrose is 42% lower.
Is Melrose a safe neighborhood in Reading?
Melrose is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Reading, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 174), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does Melrose compare to the rest of Reading?
Melrose's overall crime index is 76, compared to the Reading average of 118. This means crime in Melrose is 42% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 55, and for property crime it is 93. 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?
The most prevalent crime type in Melrose is Burglary, with a crime index of 174 (74% 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 Melrose?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mount Penn, St. Lawrence, East Reading and Hampden Heights / College Heights. These areas are close to Melrose and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Melrose?
Melrose has a population of approximately 357. The median household income is $75,929. The median home value is $133,029. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Melrose crime compare to the national average?
Melrose's overall crime rate is 24% below the national average (index 76 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 May 2026.