Median Income
$90,565
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$111,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
185/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.2%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
18.4%
411% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Melrose Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population367
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density427/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans1.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$90,565
Per Capita$22,493
Unemployment18.4%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$790M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,300
Ownership92.9%
Zillow$148,354
Housing Units169
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent185/100K
Property2,814/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking19.8%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation717 ft (219 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.2%
High School+76.6%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score6.13
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute18 min
Broadband78.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Melrose a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melrose receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Melrose has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melrose is $90,565, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 18.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melrose is $111,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Melrose is below the national average at 185 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,814 per 100,000, 44% above the national average.
Education
7.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Melrose experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Melrose has a population of 367 with a density of 427 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Melrose is $90,565, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,493 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 420 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,565 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,493 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,814 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 18.4% |
| 411% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 420 |
| County GDP | $790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,073 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Melrose is $111,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,354, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,073. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,354 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.1% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,073 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Melrose, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,718. The dentist ratio is 1:6,252. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melrose vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,718 |
| Dentists | 1:6,252 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,559 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,074/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Melrose has a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,814 per 100,000, 44% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 184.8/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,814.2/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melrose experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.7 inches. The area receives 24.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 717 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 717 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 427/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0887°N, 84.4200°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Paulding County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
105 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
79 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
77 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
32 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
50 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
66 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
95 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 127 fatalities, 1,918 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
7 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
46 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
67 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Melrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melrose
What is the population of Melrose?
Melrose has a population of 367 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 427 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Melrose expensive to live in?
Melrose is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,565, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,300 (61% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, 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 185 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,814 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Melrose?
The job market in Melrose faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 420 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose is $111,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,354. The homeownership rate is 92.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,073.
How are the schools in Melrose?
Schools in Melrose score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.2% of adults in Melrose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melrose?
The obesity rate in Melrose is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,718.
What is transportation like in Melrose?
The average commute in Melrose is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melrose?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is 84.2% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.1% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.