Median Income
$38,786
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,900
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
548/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.4%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$702
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
49.1%
53% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.1%
181% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.0%
69% higher than US avg
How Malden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,818
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density459/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
D
Median Income$38,786
Per Capita$22,813
Unemployment10.1%
Poverty21.0%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,900
Rent$702
Ownership51.5%
Zillow$87,893
Housing Units1,910
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent548/100K
Property1,730/100K
Health
Obesity49.1%
Uninsured17.7%
Smoking25.6%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Elevation295 ft (90 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.4%
High School+80.9%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband79.2%
EV Stations3
Is Malden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malden receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Malden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malden is $38,786, 48% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Malden is $88,900, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $702 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,730 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Malden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches.
Malden has a population of 3,818 with a density of 459 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (78.2%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 14.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,818
Total Population
2023 Census
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Malden is $38,786, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,813 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 10.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,786 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,813 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.1% |
| 181% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.0% |
| 69% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Malden is $88,900, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $87,893. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $112,450 with homes selling in an average of 101 days. Homes sell for 95.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $702 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,910 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,900 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $87,893 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $112,450 |
| Median List Price | $149,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $112,450 |
| Median List Price | $149,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $69 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 101 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.9% |
| Price Drops | 15.4% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $702 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,910 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
In Malden, 49.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 41.9% have high blood pressure. 25.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 43.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 17.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Malden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.1% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.9% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.7% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.9% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.3% |
| Uninsured | 17.7% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 45.3% |
Food & Exercise
Malden has a violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,730 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. Overall, Malden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Malden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 547.9/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,730.1/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Malden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 295 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 59.9°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 295 ft (90 m) |
| Area | 7.5 sq mi (19.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 459/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5570°N, 89.9665°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Malden Regional (MAW)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
5.36"
Earthquake History
417 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
73 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
13 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
114 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
82 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
92 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
63 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
68 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
94 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
90 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
59 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
60 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
67 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 157 fatalities, 1,378 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
75 km |
57 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
58 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
16 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
100 km |
6 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
113 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
69 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
CHILTON SOUTH RX |
1,649 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
12 LONGBAY |
1,432 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
06 CHILTON SOUTH |
1,400 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,147 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
20 LONGBAY |
1,128 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
UPALIKA 3 AND 4 HARMONY 3 |
824 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
ESSMAN 4 GOOSECREEK 1 3 4 7 8 |
823 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
VICTORY 1 |
765 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF CREEK (OLIVE BR) RX |
691 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
LONG BAY RX |
688 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Malden has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 36°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.5 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.4") and August the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Malden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Malden
What is the population of Malden?
Malden has a population of 3,818 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 459 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Malden expensive to live in?
Malden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $38,786, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,900 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $702 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Malden safe?
The violent crime rate in Malden is 548 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,730 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Malden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Malden?
Malden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches, with 3.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Malden?
The job market in Malden faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Malden?
The median home value in Malden is $88,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $87,893. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $112,450, with homes typically selling within 101 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $702. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.5%.
How are the schools in Malden?
Schools in Malden score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.4% of adults in Malden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malden?
The obesity rate in Malden is 49.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.6% of adults are smokers. 43.7% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 17.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Malden?
The average commute in Malden is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Malden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malden is 78.2% White, 14.1% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 82.3% have health insurance coverage.