Median Income
$33,333
56% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,600
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
184/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$548
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.7%
196% higher than US avg
How Melrose Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population536
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density317/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$33,333
Per Capita$24,479
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty36.7%
County GDP$4,317M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,600
Rent$548
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$135,547
Housing Units290
Rent Burden35.8%
Crime
F
Violent184/100K
Property3,250/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking16.9%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain16.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,409 ft (1,344 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+77.0%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.00
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute28 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Melrose a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melrose receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Melrose has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melrose is $33,333, 56% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 36.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melrose is $78,600, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $548 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Melrose is below the national average at 184 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,250 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Melrose enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.2 inches, including 11.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Melrose has a population of 536 with a density of 317 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.6%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.1% of residents, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.1%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.9%
49% above US avg
The median household income in Melrose is $33,333, which is 56% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,479 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $899, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,362 business establishments, including 98 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,333 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,479 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,444 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.7% |
| 196% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,362 |
| County GDP | $4,317M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 98 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 176 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,463 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Melrose is $78,600, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,547, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $548 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 290 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,463 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 35.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,600 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,547 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $548 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 290 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,463 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Melrose, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,400. The dentist ratio is 1:1,219. 71.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melrose vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,400 |
| Dentists | 1:1,219 |
| Mental Health | 1:145 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Melrose has a violent crime rate of 184 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,250 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 183.7/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,249.8/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melrose enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 330 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 16.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 4,409 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.1°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,409 ft (1,344 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 317/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4295°N, 103.6294°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Curry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Clovis Regional (CVN)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.2"
57% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.0 on Apr 1, 2025.
| Mar 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
31 km E of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
23 km N of Adrian, Texas |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Apr 1, 2025 |
22 km S of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Jul 14, 1998 |
6 km WSW of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Aug 18, 2017 |
13 km SW of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Jun 7, 2020 |
11 km NE of Adrian, Texas |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
5 km SSW of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Mar 24, 1993 |
New Mexico |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Apr 21, 2024 |
24 km S of Adrian, Texas |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Sep 14, 2012 |
28 km ESE of Nara Visa, New Mexico |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
247 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 71 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1963 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 1960 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2019 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
47 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1992 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1991 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1989 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1972 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1971 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1971 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1969 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1967 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1965 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1964 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIRE (44,942 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
TIRE |
44,942 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
JOHNNY |
34,324 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
WINDY |
24,687 |
35 km |
| 2005 |
RANGE |
24,643 |
21 km |
| 2011 |
KIZER 5 |
20,859 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
JET |
13,889 |
47 km |
| 1989 |
CAPROCK |
11,492 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,085 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
BURNING TENT |
9,473 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
BIG |
9,184 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
KAISER 8 |
8,551 |
91 km |
| 1992 |
FRONTIER |
8,454 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
CHUCKWAGON FIRE |
8,287 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
1 SOUTH SAND RANCH RX 2023 |
6,489 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
WOODS |
6,016 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
ARCH |
5,849 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
GARZA |
5,635 |
41 km |
| 1990 |
REDONDO |
5,408 |
66 km |
| 1992 |
NEWTON |
5,386 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
BIG FIRE |
5,167 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Melrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 38°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Melrose
What is the population of Melrose?
Melrose has a population of 536 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 317 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Melrose expensive to live in?
Melrose is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $33,333, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,600 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $548 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melrose safe?
Melrose is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 184 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,250 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Melrose receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melrose?
Melrose enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.2 inches, with 11.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Melrose?
Melrose has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $899. There are 1,362 business establishments in the area, including 98 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose is $78,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,547. For renters, the median monthly rent is $548. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,463.
How are the schools in Melrose?
Schools in Melrose score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Melrose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melrose?
The obesity rate in Melrose is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,400.
What is transportation like in Melrose?
The average commute in Melrose is 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melrose?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is 83.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 80.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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