Melville, NY
Population 19,187 · New York
About Melville, NY
Melville is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 19,187 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $155,675 per year, which is 107% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.8 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 Melville features a median home value of $778,400, which is 218% above the national median of $244,900. This places Melville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,519 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (6,410 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (913 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melville shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Melville have an average one-way commute time of 31.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
62.4% of Melville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 10.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Melville, NY
Compared to national averages, Melville has a median household income of $155,675 (107% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $778,400, which is 218% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Melville's income is 61% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 101% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Melville, NY?
Melville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $155,675, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 62.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $778,400. However, Melville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Melville has a population of 19,187 with a median age of 50.8 years. Compare Melville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Melville
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holtsville | 19,250 | $130,851 | $483,400 | Compare |
| Roosevelt | 19,636 | $135,158 | $454,100 | Compare |
| East Northport | 19,672 | $153,380 | $601,300 | Compare |
| Lackawanna | 19,779 | $48,185 | $126,500 | Compare |
| Mamaroneck | 19,840 | $125,459 | $705,200 | Compare |
| Plattsburgh | 19,878 | $53,962 | $189,600 | Compare |
| Ronkonkoma | 18,368 | $125,534 | $467,600 | Compare |
| Lake Ronkonkoma | 18,289 | $102,608 | $484,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Melville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Melville
What is the population of Melville, NY?
The population of Melville, NY is 19,187 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Melville?
The median household income in Melville, NY is $155,675 per year, which is 107% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melville?
The median home value in Melville, NY is $778,400, which is 218% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melville?
The median monthly rent in Melville, NY is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melville?
The unemployment rate in Melville, NY is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melville, NY a good place to live?
Melville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,187 and a median age of 50.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Melville, NY?
62.4% of residents in Melville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Melville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melville, NY: median home value is $778,400 (218% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $155,675. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Melville?
The poverty rate in Melville, NY is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Melville, NY?
Melville's population is 0.2% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 10.2% of residents are foreign-born.