Melrose / Rugby Neighborhood, Roanoke

Crime Rate & Statistics

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Safer than 24% of neighborhoods in Roanoke

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average

Low 90 / 300 High

Violent Crime 84

16% below national avg

Property Crime 127

27% above national avg

City Ranking

24%

safer than other

Roanoke neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Roanoke

Is Melrose / Rugby Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Melrose / Rugby in Roanoke, VA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 90, which is 10% below the national average of 100. Melrose / Rugby is safer than 24% of neighborhoods in Roanoke.

Compared to the Roanoke average (crime index 118), Melrose / Rugby is 28% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 172, 72% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 54). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Burglary · Index 172 (72% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 54 (46% below avg)

Melrose / Rugby Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Roanoke	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	69	-31%	-50%	Low
Assault	107	+7%	-8%	Moderate
Robbery	54	-46%	-63%	Low
Rape	106	+6%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	172	+72%	+57%	High
Larceny / Theft	100	0%	-29%	Average
Vehicle Theft	108	+8%	-16%	Moderate

How Melrose / Rugby Compares

Crime index by category: Melrose / Rugby vs Roanoke average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Melrose / Rugby 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 / Rugby Demographics & Context

Population

3,567

Median Income

$45,491

Home Value

$112,926

Median Age

Pop. Density

4,223/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 9.3%

Graduate Degree 5.1%

Housing

54%

46%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 4.6%

Black 89.8%

Hispanic 4%

Asian 1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Evans Spring Index: 57

A-

Loudon / Melrose Index: 149

C-

Washington Park Index: 179

D-

Gilmer Index: 157

D+

Roundhill Index: 109

A-

Shenandoah West Index: 174

Villa Heights Index: 100

Harrison Index: 180

D-

Melrose / Rugby Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Roanoke Crime Statistics

View all Roanoke neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Melrose / Rugby, Roanoke?

Melrose / Rugby in Roanoke, VA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 90, which is 10% below the national average. Compared to the Roanoke average, crime in Melrose / Rugby is 28% lower. Melrose / Rugby is safer than 24% of neighborhoods in Roanoke.

Is Melrose / Rugby a safe neighborhood in Roanoke?

Melrose / Rugby is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Roanoke, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 172), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 54).

How does Melrose / Rugby compare to the rest of Roanoke?

Melrose / Rugby's overall crime index is 90, compared to the Roanoke average of 118. This means crime in Melrose / Rugby is 28% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 84, and for property crime it is 127. 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 / Rugby?

The most prevalent crime type in Melrose / Rugby is Burglary, with a crime index of 172 (72% 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 / Rugby?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Evans Spring, Roundhill and Villa Heights. These areas are close to Melrose / Rugby and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Melrose / Rugby?

Melrose / Rugby has a population of approximately 3,567. The median household income is $45,491. The median home value is $112,926. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Melrose / Rugby crime compare to the national average?

Melrose / Rugby's overall crime rate is 10% below the national average (index 90 vs 100). Within Roanoke, it is safer than 24% 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.