Melvindale, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,554
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,185/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,582
-2.4% year-over-year change

Melvindale population

How many people live in Melvindale

Melvindale is home to 12,554 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of Melvindale locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
12,554
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
6,555
Female
47.8%
5,999
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,555 52.2% -4.6%
Female 5,999 47.8% 4.7%
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 Melvindale is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 28% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
28%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,517 28% 6.0%
15 to 24 1,621 12.9% -20.4%
25 to 44 3,420 27.2% 2.4%
45 to 64 2,667 21.2% -5.6%
Over 65 1,329 10.6% 22.1%
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 Melvindale, 69.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.8%
Non-citizens
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,778 69.9% -4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,613 20.8% 9.2%
Non-citizens 1,163 9.3% 15.7%
Racial breakdown
White
68.4%
Black or African American
10.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.1%
Other
9.1%
Value Percent
White 8,590 68.4%
Black or African American 1,305 10.4%
Two or more races 1,518 12.1%
Other 1,141 9.1%

Households in Melvindale

A peek inside Melvindale households

Melvindale has 4,250 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 55.2% are families, while the remaining 44.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,250
-1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,902
Family households
2,348
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,902 44.8% -6.8%
Family households 2,348 55.2% 2.6%
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 Melvindale

The housing landscape of Melvindale

Melvindale's housing consists of 4,582 units, with 73% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,582
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,345 73%
1 unit, attached 104 2.3%
2 units 50 1.1%
3 or 4 units 97 2.1%
5 to 9 units 483 10.5%
10 to 19 units 149 3.2%
20 to 49 units 52 1.1%
50 or more units 244 5.3%
Mobile home 58 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
17
-54.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Melvindale

In Melvindale, the median construction year is 1950. About 14.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 35.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 646 14.1% -18.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,607 35.1% -7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 766 16.7% 97.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 515 11.2% -12.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 423 9.2% 10.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 134 2.9% 8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 132 2.9% -28.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 326 7.1% -22.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 0.4% -48.4%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.4% -54.0%
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.

Melvindale occupancy rates

Out of the 4,250 occupied housing units in Melvindale, 60.8% are owner-occupied, while 39.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,250
-1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,667
Owner occupied
2,583
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,667 39.2% -3.7%
Owner occupied 2,583 60.8% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
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.

Melvindale housing costs

Housing costs in Melvindale come to a median of $1,011 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,110.

Median housing costs per month
$1,011/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 Melvindale
$1,110/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 Melvindale

Melvindale education at a glance

About 58.2% of the population in Melvindale went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 5% earned an associate degree and 6.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 660 7.8% 18.3%
High school diploma 4,942 58.2% -4.1%
College diploma 1,404 16.5% 18.4%
Associate degree 426 5% -24.7%
Bachelor's degree 556 6.5% -13.9%
Graduate degree 510 6% -11.2%
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 Melvindale

How much people earn in Melvindale

The average annual household income in Melvindale was $58,919 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,185, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Melvindale
$58,919/year
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Melvindale
$42,185/year
2.0% year-over-year change

Melvindale income by age

In Melvindale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,770. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,659 overall. Overall, 61.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $40,770 -0.7%
45 - 64 $66,659 10.3%
Over 65 $35,987 44.5%
Above poverty level
7,398
Below poverty level
4,652
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,398 61.4% -7.3%
Below poverty level 4,652 38.6% 11.5%

Average renter income in Melvindale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Melvindale, their median household income was $33,924 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,924
Rent-to-income ratio
39.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Melvindale

Workforce and job types in Melvindale

The job market in Melvindale is powered by 4,334 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 76.2% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,334
-12.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,771
Blue collar
1,563
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,771 63.9% -17.9%
Blue collar 1,563 36.1% -2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
76.2%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 263 6.1% 0.8%
Private companies 3,302 76.2% -17.1%
Governmental workers 429 9.9% 25.1%
Not for profit companies 340 7.8% -12.8%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
-24.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Melvindale stands at 6.1%, 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 Melvindale

How people get around in Melvindale

Commuting methods vary: 89.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 3,791 89.9% -16.1%
Bus or trolleybus 33 0.8% -23.3%
Walk 75 1.8% 200.0%
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 Melvindale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48122 12,554 4,250 $42,185 $58,919

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FAQs about Melvindale demographics 

What is the total population of Melvindale?

Melvindale has a total population of 12,554 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Melvindale?

The gender ratio in Melvindale is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (6,555 residents)
  • 47.8% females (5,999 residents)

What is the median age in Melvindale?

The median age in Melvindale is 31.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Melvindale?

The age distribution in Melvindale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 28% (3,517 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (1,621 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (3,420 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (2,667 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.6% (1,329 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Melvindale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Melvindale is as follows:
  • White: 68.4% (8,590 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.4% (1,305 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.1% (1,518 residents)
  • Other: 9.1% (1,141 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.9% of the population in Melvindale.

How many housing units are there in Melvindale?

There are 4,582 housing units in Melvindale, reflecting a -2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Melvindale has a total of 4,250 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Melvindale?

Melvindale has a median household income of $42,185, representing a +2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.9% in Melvindale, with a workforce of 4,334 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.9% (2,771 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.1% (1,563 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (263 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.2% (3,302 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (429 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (340 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