Melrose, MA vs Ruston, LA

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

vs

Ruston

72.3

#911 nationally

Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 11.7). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $32,877). Ruston leads in average commute (13.9 min vs 37.1 min).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Melrose, MA Ruston, LA
WhereAtHome Score 67.3 (#1438) 72.3 (#911)
Population 29,357 22,233
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $930,823 $229,937
Median Household Income $126,305 $32,877
Average Commute 37.1 min 13.9 min
Walk Score 62 25
Crime Level 2.8 11.7
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 167 95
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+39.5 R+25.4
Melrose, MA
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 →
Ruston, LA
C-
72.3 Score

Ruston, LA

Small Louisiana city with local appeal

Median Home

$229,937

Population

22,233

Crime

Moderate-High

Walk Score

25

Southeast View Ruston, LA →

Try a different matchup

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