Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melrude, MN
Thinking of moving to Melrude, MN? This peaceful rural community of about 120 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $148,000 and rents averaging $780. Violent crime rates are very low at 90 per 100k, and the area boasts crisp summers and snowy winters. While commute times average about 27 minutes, residents enjoy quiet surroundings, high homeownership, and access to local schools and nearby healthcare facilities. If you’re seeking a tranquil, small-town Minnesota lifestyle, Melrude is a charming place to call home.
Demographics - Melrude, MN
Demographics - Melrude, MN
Melrude is a close-knit rural community with a population of about 120 and a low density of 8 people per square mile. The median age is 51.2, reflecting a mature population, and the area is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers. This peaceful setting appeals to those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
Population:
120
Density:
8 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melrude, MN?
Melrude offers a budget-friendly cost of living, with a median house value of $148,000 and average rent at $780. The overall cost of living index is 86.5, making it more affordable than most U.S. cities, especially for housing and utilities. State income taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%, which is typical for Minnesota.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Melrude, MN a safe place to live?
Melrude enjoys a very low crime rate, with only 90 violent crimes and 480 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Your chance of experiencing a violent crime here is just 1 in 1,110, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The area’s tranquility is a major draw for those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
480
Crime Index:
570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,110
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 210
Weather
What is the weather like in Melrude, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with snowy winters where temperatures can dip to 0°F and pleasant summers reaching up to 78°F. The area receives about 28.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate crisp northern weather and outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
22°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
59°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Melrude’s neighbors typically have a median income of $34,000, and about 90.8% are high school graduates or higher. The area has a low unemployment rate of 4.8% and a 12.6% poverty rate, with most households owning their homes and commuting an average of 27 minutes. The community is friendly and quiet, with almost no public transport use.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
12.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Melrude, MN?
Melrude families are served by Cherry School, which offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a supportive learning environment. Higher education is easily accessible at Mesabi Range College, just 23 miles away. The community values education, with strong public school options and proximity to college-level programs.

Public Schools
Name:
Cherry School
Street:
3943 Tamminen Rd, Iron, MN 55751
Phone:
218-258-8991
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Colleges
Name:
Mesabi Range College
City:
Virginia
State:
MN
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Melrude residents have access to nearby facilities such as Essentia Health – Northern Pines and St. Luke's Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible and reliable. The community benefits from solid healthcare resources for its small size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health – Northern Pines
Address:
5211 Hwy 110, Aurora, MN 55705
Phone:
(218) 229-2221
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
915 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805
Phone:
(218) 249-5555
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melrude, MN?
The housing market in Melrude is stable, with a median home price of $148,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $780. Homeownership is high at 84.2%, and the area sees modest annual home appreciation of 4.2%. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a steady and welcoming market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
All driver and vehicle services for Melrude are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, located in St. Paul. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other DMV needs via the state website or by phone. This ensures straightforward access to essential transportation services.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-3298
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.