Melrose Population Dips For The First Time This Decade

MELROSE, MA — The population of Melrose dipped last year for the first time this decade. According to newly released U.S. Census numbers, there were an estimated 28,193 Melrose in 2018 - thats a 13-person decrease from 2017.

The dip is slight - almost negligible - but it's the first time the number hasn't increased since at least 2010. That year, the population was estimated to be at 26,983.

Melrose, which has topped lists of the "hottest" zip code in America this decade, has run into issues due to the fast-rising population; the school district's infrastructure buckled under the pressure of young families flooding the city. In April, voters passed a $5.18 million override by a tally of 6,079–4,875.

The population of Middlesex County increased 1,604,994 in 2017 to 1,614,714 in 2018.