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Is Melville a Good Place to Live? Melville, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Melville ranks #495 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #81 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (1.6%, #6 of 234) and short commutes (14.4 min, #36 of 234), and trails on high rents ($2,724/mo, #228 of 231).
Melville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Melville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Melville: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Melville safe?
What is the cost of living in Melville?
Melville's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,724/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities.
| Measure | Melville | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $2,724/mo#1271 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 32%#1277 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Melville safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Melville alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Melville crime rate or rank it on safety. Rhode Island as a whole records 144 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Melville?
The median household in Melville earns $102,266, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 22% above Rhode Island ($83,504). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Melville | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $102,266#310 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 1.6%#6 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Melville?
The median resident of Melville is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 59.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #136 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 4.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Melville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 28.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 59.5%#136 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 4.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Melville's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Melville to describe its public schools. 28.4% of adults are obese and 6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Melville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.4%#287 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6%#19 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.1%#264 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Melville?
The average commute in Melville is 14.4 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 0% of workers take transit and 2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Melville scores 7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.6°F and winters 33.4°F, with 42.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Melville | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 14.4 min#48 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 92% | 71.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 2.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.8% | 3.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.7% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 2% | 11.6% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7#1236 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.1 | 24.1 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 39.7 | 25.1 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 45.7 | 30.8 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 55.5 | 39.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 65 | 48.5 | 3 |
| Jun | 73.9 | 57.8 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 79.6 | 64.1 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 78.8 | 63.6 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 57.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 46.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 52.5 | 37.9 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 43.8 | 29.9 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newport State Airport.
| Measure | Melville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 33.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 42.2 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newport State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Melville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Melville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Newport County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Melville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.06%#22 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Newport County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Newport County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0099% | 75% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0035% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.041% | 5% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Melville compare with similar-size cities?
Melville is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #81 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 1,631.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melville, RIPop. 1,631 | #495 | 58.2 | $102,266 | $2,724/mo | no data | 14.4 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #595 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 | 12.9 min |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #93 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data | 12.1 min |
| Bellows Falls, VTPop. 2,891 | #871 | 52.2 | $56,086 | $1,038/mo | 110 | 20.1 min |
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #1256 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year | 14 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Melville compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Melville ranks #13 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 58.2 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 22% above the Rhode Island median.
| City | Rank in RI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #1 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #2 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data |
| Warwick, RIPop. 83,175 | #3 | 66.5 | $88,708 | $1,363/mo | 87 |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #4 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #5 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #6 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #7 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #8 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #9 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #10 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #11 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #12 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Melville, RIPop. 1,631 | #13 | 58.2 | $102,266 | $2,724/mo | no data |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #14 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Hope Valley, RIPop. 2,297 | #15 | 57.5 | $101,932 | — | no data |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #16 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #17 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #18 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #19 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #20 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 |
All 20 Rhode Island cities we track, by overall score. Rhode Island statewide: median income $83,504, violent crime 144.1 per 100,000.
How is Melville's score calculated?
Melville scores 58.2 out of 100, #495 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Rhode Island's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Melville. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
58.5 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Melville. Similar-size median 56.5.
72.2 - AffordabilityCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Melville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 74.8.
39.4 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Melville. Similar-size median 50.8.
79.2 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Melville. Similar-size median 48.3.
39.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Melville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
31.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
98.8 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Melville alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Melville.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Melville.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Melville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Melville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Melville
Is Melville, RI a good place to live?
Melville ranks #495 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #81 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (1.6%, #6 of 234) and short commutes (14.4 min, #36 of 234), and trails on high rents ($2,724/mo, #228 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Melville?
Melville's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,724/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities.
Is Melville safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Melville alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Melville crime rate or rank it on safety. Rhode Island as a whole records 144 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Melville?
The median household in Melville earns $102,266, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 22% above Rhode Island ($83,504). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Melville?
Median rent in Melville is $2,724/mo (Census), #1271 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 32% of the median household's income.
How are the public schools in Melville?
We have too few school records for Melville to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Melville?
The average commute is 14.4 minutes, #48 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Melville?
Melville averages 51.3°F over the year, 69.6°F in summer and 33.4°F in winter, with 42.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Melville walkable?
Melville scores 7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Melville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Newport County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in Melville?
Melville has 1,631 residents. The median resident of Melville is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 59.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #136 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 4.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Melville compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Melville ranks #13 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 58.2 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 22% above the Rhode Island median.
What cities are similar in size to Melville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Melville's population of 1,631 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Buffalo, WY (#595 overall). Melville is #495.