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Melrose, MN Homes for Rent

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  • /35

    Starting at $1,139

    Total Monthly Price

    • 1 - 3 Beds

    1250 W Railroad Ave, Melrose, MN 56352

    Wobegon Crossing delivers upscale living in an exceptional location. A wide range of one, two and three bedroom apartments designed for style and comfort.Situated next to the popular Lake Wobegon Trail, this property is only a short distance to everything that you desire. Located less than one mile from CentraCare Hospital and just 1.2 miles from downtown Melrose, you will have

    Wobegon Crossings

    (844) 897-7132

    1250 W Railroad Ave, Melrose, MN 56352
  • /14

    $2,200

    Total Monthly Price

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,400 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    548 11th Ave NE, Melrose, MN 56352

    548 11th Ave NE, Melrose, MN 56352

Why Live in Melrose

Melrose, MN, is a small city of about 3,600 residents situated in the countryside of Stearns County in Central Minnesota. The community features a quaint downtown area with local businesses, parks, and annual events that foster a close-knit atmosphere. The local economy is supported by two major factories: the Land O’ Lakes cheese manufacturing facility and the Jennie-O turkey processing plant. Interstate 94 provides convenient access for commuting to larger cities such as Alexandria, St. Cloud, and Minneapolis, which is approximately 100 miles away. Housing in Melrose ranges from century-old bungalows and Victorians to ranch-style and split-level homes from the mid-1900s, as well as new traditional houses built from the early 2000s to today. Downtown’s Main Street hosts a variety of small businesses, including Coborn’s grocery store, Melrose Meat Shoppe, and Martinez Meat & Grocery. Dining options are limited but include JD’s Taphouse, known for its pizza and beer, and True North Marketplace, which offers locally sourced products and meals. Recreational activities are abundant with three municipal parks: Sauke River Park, Jaycee Park, and Meadowlark Park, each offering unique amenities such as playgrounds, sports facilities, and trails. The 65-mile Lake Wobegon Trail is popular for biking and snowmobiling. Community events like the Melrose Riverfest and the Holiday Kick Off bring residents together for festivities throughout the year. Melrose High School offers concurrent enrollment for college credit, providing students with the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Melrose, MN?
The median rent for a home in Melrose, MN is $2,200 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of June 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Melrose, MN?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Melrose, MN, a household needs to earn roughly $88,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $2,200 per month in Melrose, MN, renters typically need to show $6,600 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Melrose, MN?
In Melrose, MN, the price-to-rent ratio is 8.9, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Trends in Melrose, MN

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$2,200
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,200
How to Rent a Home