Melrose, Monroe County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
115
-17.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,250/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
57
-12.3% year-over-year change

Melrose population

How many people live in Melrose

Melrose is home to 115 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Melrose locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
115
-17.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
57
Female
50.4%
58
Value Percent YoY change
Male 57 49.6% -16.2%
Female 58 50.4% -18.3%
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 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 7% are children under 15, then 21.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.9% of the population, while another 7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 43.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
7%
15 to 24
21.7%
25 to 44
20.9%
45 to 64
7%
Over 65
43.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8 7% -27.3%
15 to 24 25 21.7% -19.4%
25 to 44 24 20.9% -7.7%
45 to 64 8 7% 0.0%
Over 65 50 43.5% -20.6%
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, 99.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 114 99.1% -16.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1 0.9% -50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 109 94.8%
Asian 1 0.9%
Two or more races 5 4.4%

Households in Melrose

A peek inside Melrose households

Melrose has 49 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.4% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
49
-9.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
14
Family households
35
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 14 28.6% -6.7%
Family households 35 71.4% -10.3%
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 57 units, with 98.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
57
-12.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 56 98.2%
1 unit, attached 1 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Melrose

In Melrose, the median construction year is 1938. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 29 50.9% -17.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1 1.8% -50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 21 36.8% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2 3.5% 100.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3 5.3% 50.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1 1.8% -50.0%
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 49 occupied housing units in Melrose, 95.9% are owner-occupied, while 4.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
49
-9.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2
Owner occupied
47
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2 4.1% 100.0%
Owner occupied 47 95.9% -11.3%
Unoccupied housing units
14.0%
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

Median housing costs per month
$546/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.

Education in Melrose

Melrose education at a glance

About 59% of the population in Melrose went to high school, while 12% pursued college studies. Another 21% earned an associate degree and 3% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5 5% 150.0%
High school diploma 59 59% -16.9%
College diploma 12 12% -36.8%
Associate degree 21 21% -12.5%
Bachelor's degree 3 3% -25.0%
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 $52,265 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.4% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Melrose
$52,265/year
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Melrose
$56,250/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Melrose income by age

Overall, 71.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $60,714 4.9%
Above poverty level
82
Below poverty level
33
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 82 71.3% -18.8%
Below poverty level 33 28.7% -13.2%

Employment in Melrose

Workforce and job types in Melrose

The job market in Melrose is powered by 20 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20
-25.9% year-over-year change
White collar
12
Blue collar
8
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12 60% -33.3%
Blue collar 8 40% -11.1%
Employer type
Self employees
20%
Private companies
80%
Governmental workers
0%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4 20% -33.3%
Private companies 16 80% -23.8%
Unemployment rate
47.4%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Melrose stands at 47.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Melrose

How people get around in Melrose

Commuting methods vary: 80% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 20% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16 80% -23.8%
Walk 4 20% -33.3%
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
52569 550 271 $51,477 $105,912

Explore more communities

FAQs about Melrose demographics 

What is the total population of Melrose?

Melrose has a total population of 115 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 -17.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Melrose?

The gender ratio in Melrose is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (57 residents)
  • 50.4% females (58 residents)

What is the median age in Melrose?

The median age in Melrose is 51.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Melrose?

The age distribution in Melrose is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7% (8 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.7% (25 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.9% (24 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 7% (8 residents)
  • Over 65: 43.5% (50 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is as follows:
  • White: 94.8% (109 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (5 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.1% of the population in Melrose.

How many housing units are there in Melrose?

There are 57 housing units in Melrose, reflecting a -12.3% 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 49 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Melrose?

Melrose has a median household income of $56,250, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Melrose?

The employment rate is 52.6% in Melrose, with a workforce of 20 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60% (12 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40% (8 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20% (4 residents)
  • Private companies: 80% (16 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 0% (0 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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