Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melrose, VA
Considering a move to Melrose, VA? With a population of about 7,200, Melrose offers affordable living, with median home prices around $186,000 and average rents near $990. Commute times are short, averaging just under 20 minutes, and the area enjoys a mild climate with 59% sunny days per year. The local crime rate is moderate by national standards, and residents benefit from nearby hospitals and educational options, making Melrose a welcoming choice for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Melrose, VA
Demographics - Melrose, VA
Melrose, VA is home to approximately 7,200 residents, with a median age of 38.7 and a diverse community that is predominantly White and Black. The city has a moderate population density and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to its cultural vibrancy.
Population:
7,200
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
67.0%
Black:
25.5%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melrose, VA?
Melrose boasts a cost of living index of 83.6, making it more affordable than the national average. Housing is especially budget-friendly, with median home values around $186,000 and average rents at $990, while utility and transportation costs remain manageable.
Median House Value:
$186,000
Gross Rent:
$990
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$455
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
90.2
Housing:
65.5
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
91.3
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Melrose, VA a safe place to live?
Melrose experiences a moderate level of crime, with violent crime rates at 272 per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,640 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 368 chance of being affected by violent crime, which is relatively typical for a city of its size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
272
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,640
Crime Index:
1,912
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 368
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Melrose, VA year-round?
Melrose offers a mild four-season climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 86°F and cool winters averaging 29°F to 46°F. The city enjoys 59% sunny days and receives about 41.6 inches of annual rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate a balanced weather pattern.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households in Melrose earn a median income of $46,300, with a poverty rate of 14.1% and an average commute time of just under 20 minutes. Most adults have completed high school, and the area features a diverse community with a small percentage of public transit commuters.
Median Income:
$35,700
Household Income:
$46,300
Family Income:
$56,400
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$990
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Melrose, VA?
Melrose offers a range of educational opportunities, from local public schools such as Preston Park Elementary and James Breckinridge Middle to private options like Roanoke Catholic School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Virginia Western Community College just 4 miles away and Roanoke College within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Preston Park Elementary School
Street:
4430 Valley View Dr NW
Phone:
540-853-2996
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Name:
James Breckinridge Middle School
Street:
3901 Williamson Rd NW
Phone:
540-853-2255
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Roanoke Catholic School
Street:
621 N Jefferson St
Phone:
540-982-3532
Students:
700

Colleges
Name:
Virginia Western Community College
City:
Roanoke
State:
VA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
Roanoke College
City:
Salem
State:
VA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, Melrose ensures solid medical support for its community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Address:
1906 Belleview Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24014
Phone:
(540) 981-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
LewisGale Medical Center
Address:
1900 Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Phone:
(540) 776-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
70.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melrose, VA?
The Melrose housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $186,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $990. Over half of properties are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady home appreciation with a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$186,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$990
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Melrose residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Roanoke. The DMV provides a full range of vehicle and licensing services, accessible both in-person and online.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
501 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24011
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
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.