A+
76%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
75%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleMelrose/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime161n/a (estimate)5551,3922,324
Murder0n/a0.02.16.3
Rape1n/a3.429.140.0
Robbery3n/a10.337.766.1
Assault13n/a44.8253.1268.2
Violent crime17n/a (estimate)59322370
Burglary23n/a79.3142.8269.8
Theft108n/a372.2827.61,401.9
Vehicle theft13n/a44.899.7282.7
Property crime144n/a (estimate)4961,0701,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Melrose, MA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Melrose is 76.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes reported in Melrose, equivalent to 59 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 84.2%. Additionally, Melrose recorded 144 property crimes, amounting to 496 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 74.6%.

Boasting a crime rate of 555, well below the national average of 2324, Melrose emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Melrose to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.

Melrose stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 59 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Melrose secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

Melrose showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Melrose records a property crime rate of 496 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Melrose as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Melrose?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Melrose residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 85% of Melrose residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 15% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Melrose a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Melrose is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Melrose has an overall crime rate that is 76% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.44 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Melrose as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Melrose Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Melrose. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Melrose has decreased by 9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 43.3%, while property crime has decreased by 2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Melrose.

Potential Causes for Crime in Melrose

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Melrose currently has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Melrose crime rates. Melrose registers a population density of 5990 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Melrose, the cost of living is 45.62% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Melrose crime map



The Melrose crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Melrose as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Melrose crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Melrose crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Melrose crime rates are 76% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Melrose are 84% lower than the national average
      • In Melrose you have a 1 in 181 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Melrose is safer than 86% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Melrose has decreased by 12%

      Melrose, MA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Melrose (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Melrose, MA per 100,000 people. In Melrose, the total number of daily crimes is 2.51 times less than the Massachusetts average and 4.19 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Melrose is 5.50 times less than the Massachusetts average and 6.31 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Melrose has a daily crime rate that is 2.16 times less than the Massachusetts average and 3.94 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Melrose (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Melrose in comparison to other Massachusetts communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Melrose safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Melrose being safer than 84% of cities in Massachusetts and 86% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Massachusetts cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Melrose. In conclusion, Melrose ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Melrose

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Melrose is 1 in 1707
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Melrose is 1 in 202
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Melrose is 1 in 181
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Melrose? If you reside in Melrose, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 1707. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 202 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Melrose, is 1 in 181.

        Year Over Year Crime In Melrose (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Melrose is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Melrose has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 45% in Melrose, while property crimes in Melrose have decreased by 5%. Total crime has decreased by 12% year over year.

        Melrose police department

        Item Melrose Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4111,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.52.23.3
        There are a total of 41 Melrose police officers. This results in 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.8% less than the Massachusetts average and 54.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Boxford, MA2,925124961
        Dover, MA2,51885119203
        Nahant, MA3,51230211241
        Winchester, MA22,76040271311
        Lexington, MA33,30444286330
        Topsfield, MA3,04661365425
        Wellesley, MA28,74761376437
        Melrose, MA28,05459496555

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Saratoga Springs, NY28,0563341,8252,159
        Immokalee, FL28,0604412,6653,105
        Bethany, OR28,0471441,2331,376
        East Chicago, IN28,0444722,3822,854
        Zionsville, IN28,03515359375
        Melrose, MA28,05459496555
        Source: The Melrose, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.