Melrose, NM
Population 536 · New Mexico
About Melrose, NM
Melrose is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 536 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,333 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.8 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 $78,600, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Melrose one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $548, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 313 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (179 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (51 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melrose shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Melrose have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.4% 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 15.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.5% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Melrose Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Melrose, NM
Compared to national averages, Melrose has a median household income of $33,333 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $78,600, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $548 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Melrose's income is 51% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 66% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Melrose, NM?
Melrose offers affordable housing with a median home value of $78,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $548/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,333) 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 536 with a median age of 48.8 years. Compare Melrose with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
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Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Melrose
What is the population of Melrose, NM?
The population of Melrose, NM is 536 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Melrose?
The median household income in Melrose, NM is $33,333 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose, NM is $78,600, which is 68% 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, NM is $548, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melrose?
The unemployment rate in Melrose, NM is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melrose, NM a good place to live?
Melrose offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 536 and a median age of 48.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Melrose, NM?
5.4% 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, NM: median home value is $78,600 (68% below national), median rent is $548/month, and median household income is $33,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melrose?
The poverty rate in Melrose, NM is 28.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Melrose, NM?
Melrose's population is 15.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.