Median Income
$27,321
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,600
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
246/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.3%
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.5%
442% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Malden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population102
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density152/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans82.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$27,321
Per Capita$19,884
Unemployment19.5%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$40,044M
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,600
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$245,309
Housing Units79
Rent Burden30.5%
Crime
F
Violent246/100K
Property2,573/100K
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking14.8%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain18.4 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,125 ft (648 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.3%
High School+77.8%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 46%
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries19
Is Malden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malden receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Malden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malden is $27,321, 64% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Malden is $73,600, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Malden is below the national average at 246 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,573 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
15.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Malden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.4 inches, including 26.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Malden has a population of 102 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (77.5%), with 2.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 82.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Malden is $27,321, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,884 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,259, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 15,669 business establishments, including 1,237 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,321 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,884 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,259 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,041 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.5% |
| 442% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 15,669 |
| County GDP | $40,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,237 |
| Healthcare | 1,797 |
| Retail | 1,585 |
| Manufacturing | 523 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,236 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 95.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Malden is $73,600, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,309, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,236 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,600 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,309 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,236 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.47% |
In Malden, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 19.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150. The dentist ratio is 1:1,195. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.2% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,150 |
| Dentists | 1:1,195 |
| Mental Health | 1:158 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,070/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,797 |
Malden has a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,573 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 40 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 819 federally declared disasters. Overall, Malden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Malden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 245.9/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,573.1/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 40 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 819 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Malden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 18.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 2,125 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,125 ft (648 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2296°N, 117.4731°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Spokane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Spokane International (GEG) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.4"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
101 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
131 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
51 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
51 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
89 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
12 km SSW of East Hope, Idaho |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
21 km ENE of Athol, Idaho |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Jan 13, 1994 |
11 km SW of Lind, Washington |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| May 11, 2001 |
4 km NNW of Moses Lake North, Washington |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
51 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
7 km SW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| May 10, 2000 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Feb 11, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
11 km W of Othello, Washington |
M3.3 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
40 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1957 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1954 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1984 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1983 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1970 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 2024 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2024 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2016 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 19.8 m (65 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
— |
94 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
— |
77 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
— |
90 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WHITNEY (127,930 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
WHITNEY |
127,930 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
APACHE PASS |
25,101 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
SWANSON LAKE |
18,941 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
FORD CORKSCREW |
16,179 |
80 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,401 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
OREGON |
10,957 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
HUBBARD |
10,824 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
SNAKE RIVER FIRE |
10,349 |
70 km |
| 2023 |
GRAY |
10,096 |
37 km |
| 2016 |
CAYUSE MTN |
9,744 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
FLETCHER ROAD |
9,380 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
WATERMELON HILL |
9,321 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
SILCOTT |
8,864 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
WAGNER ROAD |
8,155 |
36 km |
| 2003 |
HATTEN ROAD |
7,247 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
SPOKANE COMPLEX |
6,839 |
32 km |
| 1997 |
POW WAH KEE |
6,418 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
6,024 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
RIPARIA |
5,631 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
WALL LAKE |
5,373 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
0.7 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Malden has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 29°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (2.5") and July the driest (0.7").
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) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $988 |
| Preschool | $988 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $943 |
| Toddler | $819 |
| Preschool | $819 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malden
What is the population of Malden?
Malden has a population of 102 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 152 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Malden expensive to live in?
Malden is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $27,321, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,600 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Malden safe?
Malden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,573 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Malden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Malden?
Malden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.4 inches, with 26.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Malden?
The job market in Malden faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,259. There are 15,669 business establishments in the area, including 1,237 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Malden?
The median home value in Malden is $73,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,309. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,236.
How are the schools in Malden?
Schools in Malden score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.3% of adults in Malden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.8% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malden?
The obesity rate in Malden is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 19.2% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150.
What are the demographics of Malden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malden is 77.5% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 82.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.