Melrose, MA vs Mercer Island, WA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Mercer Island
64.9
#1667 nationally
Mercer Island leads in crime level (1.0 vs 2.8). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 33). Melrose leads in cost of living index (167 vs 264).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Mercer Island, WA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 64.9 (#1667) |
| Population | 29,357 | 24,742 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $2,295,406 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $190,985 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 1.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 264 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+51.7 |
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →
D
64.9 Score
Mercer Island, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$2,295,406
Population
24,742
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View Mercer Island, WA →
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