Melrose city, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Melrose city, Massachusetts has a total population of 29,488, the 51st largest city in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $126,854, which is 25% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.7%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.7% — among the lowest in Massachusetts.
Melrose city Quick Facts
How Melrose city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 51 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Melrose city Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Middlesex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge city | 117,794 | $126,469 | 12.4% | $1,040,500 |
| Lowell city | 114,799 | $76,205 | 16.0% | $395,100 |
| Newton city | 88,504 | $184,989 | 4.7% | $1,202,500 |
| Somerville city | 80,549 | $127,056 | 10.2% | $899,400 |
| Framingham city | 72,013 | $98,179 | 11.0% | $600,600 |
| Malden city | 65,509 | $95,298 | 13.3% | $607,500 |
| Waltham city | 64,723 | $116,560 | 8.6% | $705,700 |
| Medford city | 59,062 | $118,089 | 8.2% | $715,500 |
| Everett city | 49,236 | $79,658 | 15.4% | $605,200 |
| Marlborough city | 41,398 | $95,047 | 9.2% | $485,400 |
Cities Similar to Melrose city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater Town city | 28,669 | $112,482 | $500,600 | 39.7% | 4.9% |
| Wakefield CDP | 27,284 | $130,320 | $670,100 | 57.0% | 4.6% |
| Danvers CDP | 27,924 | $117,072 | $611,200 | 46.8% | 5.2% |
| North Attleborough Town city | 30,842 | $109,426 | $462,700 | 46.8% | 5.4% |
| Saugus CDP | 28,599 | $100,819 | $589,500 | 31.4% | 6.4% |
Population Overview
Melrose city is a mid-sized community located in Massachusetts, within Middlesex County. The total population is 29,488. It ranks as the 51st most populous out of 248 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in Melrose city is 44.3 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 40.0 years. 11.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Melrose city is $126,854. This is 25% higher than the state median of $101,341. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 62% higher. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%. This is 63% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $796,100. Housing costs are 51% higher than the state median of $525,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% higher than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Melrose city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 76.9% of the population. Asian residents account for 9.6%. The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 6.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.0%) is well below the state average of 12.9%.
Education
62.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% higher than the state rate of 46.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.0%. Notably, 28.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Melrose city, Massachusetts is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Massachusetts state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Melrose city, Massachusetts?
Melrose city, Massachusetts has a population of 29,488 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Melrose city, MA?
The median household income in Melrose city is $126,854, which is 62% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Melrose city, MA?
The poverty rate in Melrose city is 3.7%. This means approximately 1,081 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Melrose city, Massachusetts?
Melrose city's population is 76.9% White, 2.2% Black, 6.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 9.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Melrose city, MA?
The median home value in Melrose city is $796,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x.
How educated is Melrose city, Massachusetts?
62.0% of adults (25+) in Melrose city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 28.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.