Columbus, IN vs Melrose, MA
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.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 2.8). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 29). Columbus leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 51,522 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+39.5 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
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 →