Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melrose, FL
Considering a move to Melrose, FL? This small town of about 5,200 residents offers affordable housing with median home prices near $249,000 and average rents around $1,150. Enjoy low crime rates, a mild climate with 66% sunny days, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Commutes average 33 minutes, and families appreciate local schools and proximity to major colleges in nearby Gainesville. Melrose's relaxed pace, affordable living, and natural beauty make it a welcoming spot for new residents.
Demographics - Melrose, FL
Demographics - Melrose, FL
Melrose, FL is a small community of about 5,200 residents with a median age of 48.7, reflecting a mature and settled population. The city is predominantly White at 85.5%, with a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a friendly and close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
5,200
Density:
230 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.5%
Black:
8.1%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melrose, FL?
Living in Melrose is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values at $249,000. Most household expenses, including rent and utilities, remain manageable, making it an appealing choice for those seeking affordability in North Central Florida.
Median House Value:
$249,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.7
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
81.5
Utilities:
97.9
Transportation:
95.6
Health Care:
99.4
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Melrose, FL a safe place to live?
Melrose enjoys a low crime rate, with just 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals alike. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 67, which is lower than in many similarly sized communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,665
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 541
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Melrose, FL year-round?
Residents experience a mild and pleasant climate, with winter lows around 40°F and summer highs near 92°F. The area enjoys about 66% sunny days annually and receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall, encouraging an active outdoor lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
82°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $52,600 and a poverty rate of 13.8%, with most adults having at least a high school diploma. Neighbors typically enjoy a relaxed pace of life, with a low unemployment rate and lengthy average commutes of about 33 minutes.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$52,600
Family Income:
$61,700
Per Capita Income:
$26,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Melrose, FL?
Families in Melrose benefit from local public and private school options, such as Melrose Elementary and Lake Area Christian School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Santa Fe College and the University of Florida just a short drive away in Gainesville.

Public Schools
Name:
Melrose Elementary School
Street:
401 State Road 26, Melrose, FL 32666
Phone:
352-475-2060
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Lake Area Christian School
Street:
550 State Road 26, Melrose, FL 32666
Phone:
352-475-1146
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
Santa Fe College
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
12,600
Name:
University of Florida
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
55,800
Healthcare
Melrose residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals in nearby Gainesville and Palatka and a physician density of 2.4 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 85.1%, supporting overall community well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UF Health Shands Hospital
Address:
1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone:
(352) 265-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HCA Florida Putnam Hospital
Address:
611 Zeagler Dr, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone:
(386) 328-5711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.1%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melrose, FL?
The housing market in Melrose is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $249,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 73.6%. Home values have appreciated nearly 5% over the past year, making it a promising area for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$249,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Melrose is managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with convenient online resources and a main office in Tallahassee. Residents benefit from statewide services and efficient support for all driving-related needs.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone:
850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.