Median Income
$58,107
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$198,300
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
55/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,061
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Melrose Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,608
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density1,138/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,107
Per Capita$33,750
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty9.3%
County GDP$12,618M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,300
Rent$1,061
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$231,400
Housing Units1,707
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent55/100K
Property741/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault27/100K
Burglary55/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured13.6%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,202 ft (366 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Melrose a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melrose receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Melrose offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melrose is $58,107, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melrose is $198,300, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,061 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Melrose is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 741 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Melrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches, including 39.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Melrose has a population of 3,608 with a density of 1,138 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (84%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.2% of residents, while 19.8% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.2%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.8%
48% above US avg
The median household income in Melrose is $58,107, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,750 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,733 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,107 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,750 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,733 |
| County GDP | $12,618M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 529 |
| Retail | 642 |
| Manufacturing | 231 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Melrose is $198,300, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,400, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,061 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,707 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,101 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,300 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,400 |
| Median List Price | $158,750 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $158,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.1% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,061 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,707 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.57% |
In Melrose, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,224. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melrose vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:235 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,211/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 529 |
Melrose has a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 27.5 per 100,000, robbery at 27.5, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 741 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 604, burglary at 55, vehicle theft at 82 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Melrose receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melrose vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.9/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 27.5/100K |
| Assault | 27.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 741.4/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Burglary | 54.9/100K |
| Theft | 604.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 82.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 311 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,202 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.0°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,202 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,138/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6770°N, 94.8148°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stearns County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.1"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0456 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
115 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
419 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
85 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
85 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Melrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 10°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Melrose. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,865 |
| Toddler | $1,653 |
| Preschool | $1,458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melrose
What is the population of Melrose?
Melrose has a population of 3,608 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,138 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Melrose expensive to live in?
Melrose has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,107, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,300 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,061 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melrose safe?
Melrose is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 741 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Melrose receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melrose?
Melrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches, with 39.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Melrose?
The job market in Melrose is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 4,733 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose is $198,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,061. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,101.
How are the schools in Melrose?
Schools in Melrose score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Melrose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melrose?
The obesity rate in Melrose is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 13.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025.
What is transportation like in Melrose?
The average commute in Melrose is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melrose?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is 84% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.8% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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