Melrose, MA vs Shelby, NC
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
Shelby
70.8
#1062 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 28.6). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $46,176). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 28).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Shelby, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 70.8 (#1062) |
| Population | 29,357 | 22,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $214,559 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $46,176 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 28.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 90 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | R+35.0 |
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 →
C-
70.8 Score
Shelby, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$214,559
Population
22,010
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Shelby, NC →