Melrose, Oakland, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,951
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,359/yr
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
977
1.0% year-over-year change

Melrose population

How many people live in Melrose

Melrose is home to 2,951 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.3% of Melrose locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
2,951
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.3%
1,544
Female
47.6%
1,406
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,544 52.3% 2.2%
Female 1,406 47.6% 1.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Melrose is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.4% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
32.4%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 537 18.2% 0.6%
15 to 24 402 13.6% -0.5%
25 to 44 956 32.4% 0.0%
45 to 64 686 23.2% 5.2%
Over 65 369 12.5% 5.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Melrose, 57.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 25% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 14.8% of locals are Caucasian, 13.5% are African American and 17.4% have Asian roots. Another 3.7% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 37.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
57.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.4%
Non-citizens
25%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,699 57.6% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 515 17.4% 1.6%
Non-citizens 737 25% 7.4%
Racial breakdown
White
14.8%
Black or African American
13.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.7%
Asian
17.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
37.8%
Value Percent
White 436 14.8%
Black or African American 399 13.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 110 3.7%
Asian 512 17.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0.6%
Two or more races 360 12.2%
Other 1,114 37.8%

Households in Melrose

A peek inside Melrose households

Melrose has 927 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.9% are families, while the remaining 31.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
927
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
288
Family households
639
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 288 31.1% -5.6%
Family households 639 68.9% 5.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Melrose

The housing landscape of Melrose

Melrose's housing consists of 977 units, with 41.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
977
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 403 41.2%
1 unit, attached 78 8%
2 units 90 9.2%
3 or 4 units 136 13.9%
5 to 9 units 69 7.1%
10 to 19 units 42 4.3%
20 to 49 units 77 7.9%
50 or more units 77 7.9%
Mobile home 5 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
2
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Melrose

In Melrose, the median construction year is 1948. About 40.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 400 40.9% 3.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 107 11% 4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 142 14.5% 2.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 79 8.1% -13.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 70 7.2% 4.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 44 4.5% -17.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 51 5.2% 18.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 52 5.3% -7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30 3.1% 11.1%
Built in 2020 or later 2 0.2% 100.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Melrose occupancy rates

Out of the 927 occupied housing units in Melrose, 36.4% are owner-occupied, while 63.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
927
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
590
Owner occupied
337
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 590 63.6% -1.2%
Owner occupied 337 36.4% 7.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Melrose housing costs

Housing costs in Melrose come to a median of $1,839 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,721.

Median housing costs per month
$1,839/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Melrose
$1,721/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Melrose

Melrose education at a glance

About 34% of the population in Melrose went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 387 16.9% 1.8%
High school diploma 776 34% -3.5%
College diploma 461 20.2% 2.9%
Associate degree 108 4.7% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 360 15.8% 10.1%
Graduate degree 194 8.5% 14.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Melrose

How much people earn in Melrose

The average annual household income in Melrose was $94,680 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,359, reflecting a +8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Melrose
$94,680/year
10.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Melrose
$72,359/year
8.6% year-over-year change

Melrose income by age

In Melrose, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,139. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,564 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,833, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,107 in earnings. Overall, 83.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,833 3.5%
25 - 44 $85,139 22.3%
45 - 64 $80,564 12.2%
Over 65 $41,107 -6.7%
Above poverty level
2,418
Below poverty level
479
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,418 83.5% 3.2%
Below poverty level 479 16.5% -3.6%

Employment in Melrose

Workforce and job types in Melrose

74.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 69% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,037
Blue collar
352
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,037 74.7% 3.9%
Blue collar 352 25.3% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
69%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 140 10.1% -1.4%
Private companies 958 69% 0.6%
Governmental workers 158 11.4% 9.0%
Not for profit companies 133 9.6% 19.8%

Transportation in Melrose

How people get around in Melrose

In Melrose, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 903 86.3% 4.9%
Taxicab 16 1.5% 45.5%
Bus or trolleybus 68 6.5% -12.8%
Railroad 8 0.8% 60.0%
Ferryboat 4 0.4% -33.3%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 6 0.6% -14.3%
Walk 40 3.8% -4.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Melrose by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94601 53,259 16,734 $72,359 $100,933

Explore more communities

FAQs about Melrose demographics 

What is the total population of Melrose?

Melrose has a total population of 2,951 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Melrose?

The gender ratio in Melrose is as follows:
  • 52.3% males (1,544 residents)
  • 47.6% females (1,406 residents)

What is the median age in Melrose?

The median age in Melrose is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Melrose?

The age distribution in Melrose is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (537 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (402 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.4% (956 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (686 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.5% (369 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is as follows:
  • White: 14.8% (436 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.5% (399 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.7% (110 residents)
  • Asian: 17.4% (512 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (360 residents)
  • Other: 37.8% (1,114 residents)

What percentage of the population in Melrose are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 57.6% of the population in Melrose.

How many housing units are there in Melrose?

There are 977 housing units in Melrose, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Melrose and what is the average household size?

Melrose has a total of 927 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Melrose?

Melrose has a median household income of $72,359, representing a +8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Melrose?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.7% (1,037 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.3% (352 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (140 residents)
  • Private companies: 69% (958 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (158 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (133 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025