Melrose, MN
Population 3,608 · Minnesota
About Melrose, MN
Melrose is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 3,608 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,107 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melrose features a median home value of $198,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Melrose in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,061, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,655 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,115 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (437 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melrose shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Melrose have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.8% of Melrose residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 16.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Melrose, MN
Compared to national averages, Melrose has a median household income of $58,107 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,300, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,061 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Melrose's income is 22% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 3% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Melrose, MN?
Melrose offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,061/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,107) that falls below the national average. However, Melrose’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Melrose has a population of 3,608 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Melrose with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Melrose
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Harbors | 3,598 | $62,885 | $187,100 | Compare |
| Perham | 3,577 | $47,088 | $186,000 | Compare |
| St. Augusta | 3,576 | $116,384 | $323,400 | Compare |
| Long Prairie | 3,683 | $57,139 | $130,100 | Compare |
| Pine Island | 3,693 | $91,612 | $324,700 | Compare |
| Independence | 3,695 | $194,205 | $757,800 | Compare |
| Mora | 3,708 | $53,704 | $180,300 | Compare |
| Plainview | 3,501 | $69,800 | $230,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Melrose With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Melrose
What is the population of Melrose, MN?
The population of Melrose, MN is 3,608 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Melrose?
The median household income in Melrose, MN is $58,107 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose, MN is $198,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melrose?
The median monthly rent in Melrose, MN is $1,061, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melrose?
The unemployment rate in Melrose, MN is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Melrose, MN a good place to live?
Melrose offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,608 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Melrose, MN?
17.8% of residents in Melrose aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Melrose?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melrose, MN: median home value is $198,300 (19% below national), median rent is $1,061/month, and median household income is $58,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melrose?
The poverty rate in Melrose, MN is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Melrose, MN?
Melrose's population is 16.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.