Melbourne, Florida, experiences a crime rate higher than both state and national averages, with a total crime rate of approximately 32 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the higher-crime areas in the U.S. compared to communities of all sizes. Violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, occur at a rate of about 6.6 per 1,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 151 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are more prevalent, with a rate of 25 per 1,000 residents, or a 1 in 40 chance of victimization. This elevated crime rate places Melbourne in the 11th percentile for safety among U.S. cities, meaning 89% of communities in Florida have lower crime rates, particularly when compared to cities of similar population size. Areas with high visitor traffic, like the northwest part of the city with its retail establishments, often see inflated crime statistics due to increased opportunities for theft and other incidents.

Despite the concerning statistics, year-over-year crime in Melbourne has shown improvement, with a reported 23% decrease in overall crime according to 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Reports. Violent crime rates have been noted at 1 in 331 for residents, and property crime at 1 in 64, suggesting a slight reduction in risk compared to previous years. The Melbourne Police Department, with 148 officers in 2023, maintains a visible presence, though community feedback indicates mixed perceptions of police responsiveness, with 45% of residents surveyed by Niche describing law enforcement as "very visible and responsive," while 36% noted slower response times. Community policing efforts and initiatives like the Melbourne Police Department's interactive crime map, launched in 2025, aim to enhance transparency and resident awareness by providing daily-updated crime data by neighborhood and incident type. However, areas like South Babcock Street are frequently cited by residents as less safe, particularly for pedestrians or cyclists, due to reported drug-related activities and homelessness.

Comparing Melbourne to nearby areas provides further context. For instance, West Melbourne has a lower overall crime rate of 16 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes at 1 in 378 and property crimes at 1 in 77, making it safer than Melbourne but still above the national average. Melbourne Beach, in contrast, is significantly safer, with a crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, including a very low violent crime rate of 1 in 1,811. These disparities highlight that while Melbourne faces challenges with crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods, broader Brevard County has a lower crime rate than the state average. The cost of crime in Melbourne, estimated at $168 per resident annually, is below the national average, but intangible costs like community fear and reduced quality of life remain significant. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, particularly in high-traffic areas, and utilize resources like crime maps to make informed decisions about safety.

Crime and Safety Overview in Melbourne

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