Melrose, Bronx, New York City, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,870
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,442/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,460
4.8% year-over-year change

Melrose population

How many people live in Melrose

Melrose is home to 14,870 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Melrose locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
14,870
4.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
6,842
Female
54%
8,027
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,842 46% 5.3%
Female 8,027 54% 3.0%
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 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.7% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
34
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
30.7%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,009 20.2% 4.9%
15 to 24 1,960 13.2% 4.8%
25 to 44 4,565 30.7% 3.0%
45 to 64 3,333 22.4% 5.6%
Over 65 2,003 13.5% 2.2%
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, 64.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 9.8% of locals are Caucasian, 43.1% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 29.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
64.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.2%
Non-citizens
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,599 64.6% 4.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,597 24.2% 5.7%
Non-citizens 1,674 11.3% -1.4%
Racial breakdown
White
9.8%
Black or African American
43.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
14.9%
Other
29.3%
Value Percent
White 1,464 9.8%
Black or African American 6,415 43.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 148 1%
Asian 194 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 70 0.5%
Two or more races 2,217 14.9%
Other 4,363 29.3%

Households in Melrose

A peek inside Melrose households

Melrose has 6,277 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.5% are families, while the remaining 43.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,277
3.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,733
Family households
3,545
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,733 43.5% 0.8%
Family households 3,545 56.5% 6.2%
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 6,460 units, with 1.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,460
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 111 1.7%
1 unit, attached 72 1.1%
2 units 249 3.8%
3 or 4 units 306 4.7%
5 to 9 units 224 3.5%
10 to 19 units 304 4.7%
20 to 49 units 1,542 23.9%
50 or more units 3,648 56.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
219
192.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Melrose

In Melrose, the median construction year is 1966. About 19.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,243 19.2% -8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 647 10% 6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 620 9.6% -12.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,000 15.5% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 423 6.6% 4.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 322 5% -20.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 319 4.9% 26.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 761 11.8% 22.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 905 14% 22.3%
Built in 2020 or later 219 3.4% 192.0%
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 6,277 occupied housing units in Melrose, 12.6% are owner-occupied, while 87.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,277
3.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,485
Owner occupied
793
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,485 87.4% 4.1%
Owner occupied 793 12.6% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
2.8%
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 $1,231 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,233.

Median housing costs per month
$1,231/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
$1,233/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 41.2% of the population in Melrose went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 13.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,375 12.1% 10.9%
High school diploma 4,690 41.2% 1.1%
College diploma 2,160 19% 1.4%
Associate degree 929 8.2% 3.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,487 13.1% 4.1%
Graduate degree 737 6.5% 23.7%
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 $60,133 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,442, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Melrose
$60,133/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Melrose
$37,442/year
1.4% 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 $40,669. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,546 overall. Overall, 65.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $40,669 -3.3%
45 - 64 $48,546 -2.5%
Over 65 $20,022 3.4%
Above poverty level
9,668
Below poverty level
5,004
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,668 65.9% 1.3%
Below poverty level 5,004 34.1% 10.2%

Employment in Melrose

Workforce and job types in Melrose

83% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 56.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,674
Blue collar
961
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,674 83% 2.3%
Blue collar 961 17% -10.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
56.7%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 528 9.4% 41.2%
Private companies 3,193 56.7% -11.2%
Governmental workers 967 17.2% 11.5%
Not for profit companies 946 16.8% 17.7%

Transportation in Melrose

How people get around in Melrose

In Melrose, the average commute time is 13 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 33.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 24% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
13 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 839 33.4% 12.2%
Taxicab 121 4.8% 0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 868 34.5% -0.8%
Railroad 43 1.7% -18.9%
Motorcycle 5 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 33 1.3% 6.5%
Walk 604 24% -6.2%
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
10455 44,801 16,587 $36,115 $51,365
10451 50,942 22,376 $38,770 $62,546

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FAQs about Melrose demographics 

What is the total population of Melrose?

Melrose has a total population of 14,870 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 +4.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Melrose?

The gender ratio in Melrose is as follows:
  • 46% males (6,842 residents)
  • 54% females (8,027 residents)

What is the median age in Melrose?

The median age in Melrose is 34.

What is the age distribution of the population in Melrose?

The age distribution in Melrose is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (3,009 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (1,960 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.7% (4,565 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (3,333 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.5% (2,003 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is as follows:
  • White: 9.8% (1,464 residents)
  • Black or African American: 43.1% (6,415 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (148 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (194 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (70 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.9% (2,217 residents)
  • Other: 29.3% (4,363 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 64.6% of the population in Melrose.

How many housing units are there in Melrose?

There are 6,460 housing units in Melrose, reflecting a +4.8% 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 6,277 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Melrose?

Melrose has a median household income of $37,442, representing a +1.4% 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: 83% (4,674 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17% (961 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (528 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.7% (3,193 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (967 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.8% (946 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