Median Income
$49,571
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,600
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Malden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population298
Median Age70.9 yrs
Density2,483/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,571
Per Capita$33,027
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$14,448M
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,600
Ownership93.6%
Zillow$92,861
Housing Units260
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,763/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking20.7%
Depression32.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain46.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation601 ft (183 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+84.0%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Malden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malden receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Malden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malden is $49,571, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% 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 $153,600, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Malden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,763 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Malden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches, including 31.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Malden has a population of 298 with a density of 2,483 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 70.9 years, 82% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.1% female and 38.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 6.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 47.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
70.9yrs
Median Age
82% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Malden is $49,571, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,027 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,860 business establishments, including 428 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 14.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,571 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,027 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,860 |
| County GDP | $14,448M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 428 |
| Healthcare | 645 |
| Retail | 626 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.8% |
The median home value in Malden is $153,600, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,861, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 260 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $3,391. 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,600 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $92,861 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.4% |
| Housing Units | 260 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Malden, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 39.8% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:770. The dentist ratio is 1:1,083. 70.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.8% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 32.6% |
| Mental Distress | 24.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:770 |
| Dentists | 1:1,083 |
| Mental Health | 1:314 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 14,979/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 645 |
Malden has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,763 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Malden receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Malden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,762.7/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Malden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 46.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 601 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 601 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,483/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3008°N, 81.5580°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Kanawha County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.2"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0388 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.48 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.21 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
21 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
65 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
84 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 84 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
14 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
36 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
23 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
41 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
32 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
80 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
28 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
12 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
10,183 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Malden has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (2.9").
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) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $682 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $679 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $746 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malden
What is the population of Malden?
Malden has a population of 298 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 2,483 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 70.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.1% female and 38.9% male.
Is Malden expensive to live in?
Malden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,571, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,600 (46% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Malden safe?
Malden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,763 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Malden receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Malden?
Malden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.2 inches, with 31.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Malden?
Malden has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 6,860 business establishments in the area, including 428 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Malden?
The median home value in Malden is $153,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,861. The homeownership rate is 93.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,391.
How are the schools in Malden?
Schools in Malden score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Malden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malden?
The obesity rate in Malden is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 32.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 70.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:770.
What are the demographics of Malden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malden is 93.3% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 47.7% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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