Melissa, TX
Population 17,497 · Texas
About Melissa, TX
Melissa is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 17,497 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $137,875 per year, which is 83% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melissa features a median home value of $430,300, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. This places Melissa in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,341, 101% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,481 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (4,711 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (622 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melissa shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Melissa have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.2% of Melissa 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 9.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 11.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Melissa, TX
Compared to national averages, Melissa has a median household income of $137,875 (83% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $430,300, which is 76% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,341 is 101% above the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Melissa's income is 90% above the state average of $72,726, and home values are 103% above the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Melissa, TX?
Melissa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $137,875, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 52.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $430,300. However, Melissa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Melissa has a population of 17,497 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Melissa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Melissa
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royse City | 17,357 | $116,424 | $288,400 | Compare |
| Gainesville | 17,688 | $56,341 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Stafford | 17,279 | $85,910 | $247,900 | Compare |
| Alice | 17,797 | $46,963 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Bay City | 17,816 | $51,898 | $149,800 | Compare |
| Glenn Heights | 17,175 | $79,739 | $252,200 | Compare |
| Addison | 17,128 | $82,858 | $466,000 | Compare |
| Bellaire | 17,116 | $236,311 | $978,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Melissa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Melissa
What is the population of Melissa, TX?
The population of Melissa, TX is 17,497 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Melissa?
The median household income in Melissa, TX is $137,875 per year, which is 83% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melissa?
The median home value in Melissa, TX is $430,300, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melissa?
The median monthly rent in Melissa, TX is $2,341, which is 101% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melissa?
The unemployment rate in Melissa, TX is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melissa, TX a good place to live?
Melissa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,497 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Melissa, TX?
52.2% of residents in Melissa 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 Melissa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melissa, TX: median home value is $430,300 (76% above national), median rent is $2,341/month, and median household income is $137,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melissa?
The poverty rate in Melissa, TX is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Melissa, TX?
Melissa's population is 9.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 17.3% two or more races. 11.2% of residents are foreign-born.