Melrose, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
562
-11.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,750/yr
-2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
232
-7.2% year-over-year change

Melrose population

How many people live in Melrose

Melrose is home to 562 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Melrose locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
562
-11.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
274
Female
51.2%
288
Value Percent YoY change
Male 274 48.8% -11.3%
Female 288 51.2% -12.2%
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 17.8% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 29.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
29.9%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 100 17.8% -20.0%
15 to 24 74 13.2% -7.5%
25 to 44 134 23.8% -18.3%
45 to 64 168 29.9% -8.2%
Over 65 86 15.3% 1.2%
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

There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 562 100% -11.8%
Racial breakdown
White
89.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 504 89.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0.2%
Two or more races 53 9.4%
Other 4 0.7%

Households in Melrose

A peek inside Melrose households

Melrose has 232 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.7% are families, while the remaining 48.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
232
-4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
112
Family households
120
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 112 48.3% 10.9%
Family households 120 51.7% -15.5%
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 232 units, with 84% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. 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
232
-7.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 195 84%
2 units 3 1.3%
3 or 4 units 1 0.4%
5 to 9 units 30 12.9%
Mobile home 3 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Melrose

In Melrose, the median construction year is 1952. About 38.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.5% going up by 1949. 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 89 38.4% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 22 9.5% 15.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 28 12.1% -17.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 43 18.5% 4.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 21 9% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9 3.9% 12.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 6% -50.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 2.6% 20.0%
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 232 occupied housing units in Melrose, 72.4% are owner-occupied, while 27.6% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
232
-4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
64
Owner occupied
168
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 64 27.6% 4.9%
Owner occupied 168 72.4% -7.7%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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

Housing costs in Melrose come to a median of $969 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $744.

Median housing costs per month
$969/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
$744/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 51.6% of the population in Melrose went to high school, while 12% pursued college studies. Another 18.1% earned an associate degree and 13% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 1.6% 75.0%
High school diploma 231 51.6% -2.9%
College diploma 54 12% -21.7%
Associate degree 81 18.1% -14.7%
Bachelor's degree 58 13% -4.9%
Graduate degree 17 3.8% -26.1%
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 $67,564 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,750, reflecting a -2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Melrose
$67,564/year
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Melrose
$48,750/year
-2.9% 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 $103,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $40,417 overall. Overall, 82.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $103,750 4.6%
45 - 64 $40,417 0.0%
Over 65 $44,375 16.0%
Above poverty level
449
Below poverty level
98
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 449 82.1% -13.7%
Below poverty level 98 17.9% -3.9%

Average renter income in Melrose

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Melrose, their median household income was $22,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,000
Rent-to-income ratio
40.6%
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 Melrose

Workforce and job types in Melrose

The job market in Melrose is powered by 282 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.4% run their own businesses, 61% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
282
-11.6% year-over-year change
White collar
154
Blue collar
128
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 154 54.6% -21.0%
Blue collar 128 45.4% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
18.4%
Private companies
61%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 52 18.4% -17.5%
Private companies 172 61% -5.5%
Governmental workers 42 14.9% -25.0%
Not for profit companies 16 5.7% -11.1%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
85.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Melrose stands at 4.4%, 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: 77.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14.2% 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 218 77.6% -5.6%
Walk 40 14.2% -2.4%
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
54642 2,259 842 $73,452 $97,526

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FAQs about Melrose demographics 

What is the total population of Melrose?

Melrose has a total population of 562 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 -11.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Melrose?

The gender ratio in Melrose is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (274 residents)
  • 51.2% females (288 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: 17.8% (100 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (74 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (134 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.9% (168 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (86 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Melrose is as follows:
  • White: 89.7% (504 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (53 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Melrose.

How many housing units are there in Melrose?

There are 232 housing units in Melrose, reflecting a -7.2% 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 232 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Melrose?

Melrose has a median household income of $48,750, representing a -2.9% 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 95.6% in Melrose, with a workforce of 282 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.6% (154 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.4% (128 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.4% (52 residents)
  • Private companies: 61% (172 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (42 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (16 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