Median Income
$50,208
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
83/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$742
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Melrose Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population637
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density796/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,208
Per Capita$26,125
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$1,372M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$742
Ownership74.9%
Zillow$231,514
Housing Units234
Rent Burden44.2%
Crime
F
Violent83/100K
Property4,127/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.0%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation786 ft (240 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute30 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Melrose a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melrose receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $50,208, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melrose is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Melrose is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,127 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Melrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Melrose has a population of 637 with a density of 796 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 4.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Melrose is $50,208, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,125 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 488 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,208 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,125 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,373 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 488 |
| County GDP | $1,372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,761 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Melrose is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,514, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $742 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 234 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,761 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 44.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,514 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $742 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 44.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.1% |
| Housing Units | 234 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,761 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.19% |
In Melrose, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 28.7% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,603. 39.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melrose vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.7% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,603 |
| Mental Health | 1:579 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,145/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Melrose has a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,127 per 100,000, 111% 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 | 83.1/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,127.4/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 35.6 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 786 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 786 ft (240 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 796/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1312°N, 90.9969°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
292 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 271 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
66 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
74 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
67 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
63 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Melrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melrose
What is the population of Melrose?
Melrose has a population of 637 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 796 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Melrose expensive to live in?
Melrose is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,208, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, 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 83 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,127 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Melrose?
The job market in Melrose is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 488 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,514. For renters, the median monthly rent is $742. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,761.
How are the schools in Melrose?
Schools in Melrose score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Melrose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melrose?
The obesity rate in Melrose is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 28.7% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 39.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112.
What is transportation like in Melrose?
The average commute in Melrose is 30 minutes. 68.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melrose?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is 90.9% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
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