Hackensack, NJ 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.
Hackensack
70.1
#1135 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 6.8). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $79,133). Hackensack leads in cost of living index (126 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hackensack, NJ | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1135) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 45,736 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $473,422 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $79,133 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 29.1 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 73 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.4 | D+39.5 |
C-
70.1 Score
Hackensack, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$473,422
Population
45,736
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
73
Northeast
View Hackensack, NJ →
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 →