Melville, RI
Population 1,840 · Rhode Island
About Melville, RI
Melville is a small town located in Rhode Island with a population of 1,840 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,393 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melville features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Melville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,591, 123% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 677 total housing units, 4% are owner-occupied (22 units) and 96% are renter-occupied (563 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melville shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Melville have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
63.0% 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 4.6% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Melville Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Melville, RI
Compared to national averages, Melville has a median household income of $103,393 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,591 is 123% above the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Melville's income is 11% above the state average of $92,962, and home values are 100% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Melville, RI?
Melville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,393, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 63.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Melville has a population of 1,840 with a median age of 29.2 years. Compare Melville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Melville
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chepachet | 1,819 | $95,423 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 1,816 | $66,016 | $348,700 | Compare |
| Ashaway | 1,682 | $101,165 | $305,600 | Compare |
| Charlestown | 1,648 | $113,281 | $545,800 | Compare |
| Hope Valley | 2,147 | $98,481 | $424,100 | Compare |
| Bradford | 1,437 | $108,295 | $387,100 | Compare |
| Carolina | 1,238 | $123,063 | $366,000 | Compare |
| Harmony | 1,094 | $108,971 | $380,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Rhode Island
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, RI?
The population of Melville, RI is 1,840 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Rhode Island.
What is the median household income in Melville?
The median household income in Melville, RI is $103,393 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melville?
The median home value in Melville, RI is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Melville?
The median monthly rent in Melville, RI is $2,591, which is 123% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melville?
The unemployment rate in Melville, RI is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Melville, RI a good place to live?
Melville offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,840 and a median age of 29.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Melville, RI?
63.0% 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, RI: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,591/month, and median household income is $103,393. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melville?
The poverty rate in Melville, RI is 1.0%, 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, RI?
Melville's population is 4.6% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.