Melville, Rhode Island Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Melville, Rhode Island had a total population of 1,631, the 23rd largest community in Rhode Island, with a median household income of $102,266, which is 16% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 1.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 1.6% — among the lowest in Rhode Island.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Rhode Island (diversity index: 70/100).
Melville Quick Facts
How Melville Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,840 | 1,631 | -11.4% |
| Median household income | $103,393 | $102,266 | -1.1% |
How Melville Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 50 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Melville Rankings in Rhode Island
Explore Rhode Island Rankings
Other Cities in Newport County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 24,874 | $86,313 | 16.5% | $746,900 |
| Newport East | 11,069 | $89,028 | 11.7% | $485,400 |
| Tiverton | 8,091 | $99,158 | 4.4% | $407,200 |
Cities Similar to Melville
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashaway | 1,722 | $103,707 | $343,600 | 31.7% | 1.4% |
| Charlestown | 1,499 | $108,563 | $583,200 | 57.6% | 4.2% |
| Bradford | 1,511 | $120,250 | $418,100 | 39.1% | 2.3% |
| Chepachet | 1,923 | $92,971 | $279,400 | 26.9% | 3.5% |
| Harrisville | 1,767 | $62,535 | $355,000 | 20.5% | 11.4% |
Population Overview
Melville is a small community located in Rhode Island, within Newport County. The total population is 1,631. It ranks as the 23rd most populous out of 36 Census-designated places in Rhode Island.
Age Demographics
The median age in Melville is 28.8 years. This is 29% lower than the state median of 40.6 years. With 31.6% of the population under 18, Melville has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Melville is $102,266. This is 16% higher than the state median of $87,796. It is also 27% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 1.6%. This is 86% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.2%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. 4.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 93% lower than the state average of 63.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Melville is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 23.9%.
Education
59.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 58% higher than the state rate of 37.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. No surveyed resident aged 25 or older reported leaving school before earning a high school diploma, though a rate of exactly 100% reflects the limits of a small sample. Notably, 39.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Melville, Rhode Island is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Rhode Island state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 36 Census-designated places in Rhode Island. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Melville, Rhode Island?
Melville, Rhode Island has a population of 1,631 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Melville, RI?
The median household income in Melville is $102,266, which is 27% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Melville, RI?
The poverty rate in Melville is 1.6%. This means approximately 25 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Melville, Rhode Island?
Melville's population is 43.3% White, 5.4% Black, 23.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Melville, RI?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median home value estimate for Melville — there are too few owner-occupied homes in the ACS sample. The national median is $332,700.
How educated is Melville, Rhode Island?
59.5% of adults (25+) in Melville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 39.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.