Mellen, WI
Population 538 · Wisconsin
About Mellen, WI
Mellen is a small community located in Wisconsin with a population of 538 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,125 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49 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 Mellen features a median home value of $78,700, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mellen one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $608, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 333 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (181 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (58 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mellen shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mellen have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.5% of Mellen 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 0.0% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mellen Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Mellen, WI
Compared to national averages, Mellen has a median household income of $40,125 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $78,700, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $608 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Mellen's income is 45% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 62% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Mellen, WI?
Mellen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $78,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $608/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,125) that falls below the national average. However, Mellen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mellen has a population of 538 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Mellen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
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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 Mellen
What is the population of Mellen, WI?
The population of Mellen, WI is 538 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Mellen?
The median household income in Mellen, WI is $40,125 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mellen?
The median home value in Mellen, WI is $78,700, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mellen?
The median monthly rent in Mellen, WI is $608, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mellen?
The unemployment rate in Mellen, WI is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mellen, WI a good place to live?
Mellen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 538 and a median age of 49, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mellen, WI?
13.5% of residents in Mellen 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 Mellen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mellen, WI: median home value is $78,700 (68% below national), median rent is $608/month, and median household income is $40,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mellen?
The poverty rate in Mellen, WI is 12.4%, 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 Mellen, WI?
Mellen's population is 0.0% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.