Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,600
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
44.3%
257% higher than US avg
How Malta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population321
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density233/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$22,868
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty44.3%
County GDP$2,637M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,600
Ownership92.0%
Zillow$411,000
Housing Units111
Rent Burden26.0%
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured0.6%
Smoking14.7%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain9.6 in/yr
Elevation4,517 ft (1,377 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 14%
Commute12 min
Broadband96.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Malta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malta receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Malta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malta is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 44.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Malta is $145,600, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Malta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.6 inches, including 11.9 inches of snow.
Malta has a population of 321 with a density of 233 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.6% female and 42.4% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
321
Total Population
2023 Census
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Malta is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,868 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $957, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 44.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,135 business establishments, including 71 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,868 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $957 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,323 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 44.3% |
| 257% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,135 |
| County GDP | $2,637M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 92 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,665 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.8% |
The median home value in Malta is $145,600, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $411,000, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 111 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,665 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $411,000 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.0% |
| Housing Units | 111 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,665 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.83% |
In Malta, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 15.1% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 0.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,144. The dentist ratio is 1:1,350. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 0.6% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,144 |
| Dentists | 1:1,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:659 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,762/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 92 |
Malta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 4,517 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,517 ft (1,377 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3075°N, 113.3697°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Cassia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pocatello Regional (PIH)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.6"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.46"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
149 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.8 on May 16, 2025.
| Nov 4, 1992 |
67 km ENE of Montello, Nevada |
M4.7 |
88 km |
| May 5, 2024 |
16 km SW of Thatcher, Utah |
M4.4 |
113 km |
| Jun 3, 2009 |
5 km WNW of Riverside, Utah |
M4.0 |
111 km |
| May 4, 2024 |
16 km SW of Thatcher, Utah |
M3.9 |
113 km |
| May 6, 2013 |
9 km NW of Grace, Idaho |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
5 km ENE of Howell, Utah |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
11 km NNE of Howell, Utah |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
7 km E of Bancroft, Idaho |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Aug 30, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Snowville, Utah |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Jul 3, 1993 |
7 km SSW of Malad City, Idaho |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Nov 4, 1992 |
49 km SW of Snowville, Utah |
M3.6 |
81 km |
| Feb 1, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Riverside, Utah |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Jul 13, 2012 |
2 km ESE of Trenton, Utah |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Apr 24, 1998 |
10 km NE of Howell, Utah |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
14 km WSW of Howell, Utah |
M3.5 |
87 km |
| May 6, 2013 |
2 km NNE of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Apr 6, 2021 |
47 km SW of Howell, Utah |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Oct 3, 1997 |
19 km WSW of Corinne, Utah |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
7 km WNW of Thatcher, Utah |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Feb 6, 2017 |
9 km WNW of Soda Springs, Idaho |
M3.4 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
55 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1999 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1986 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1986 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1985 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1983 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1981 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1964 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1957 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2023 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2019 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2019 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2018 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2014 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2012 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2012 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.6 m (12 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1909 |
UTAH |
Earthquake |
3.6 m |
- |
79 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Wapi Lava Field (65 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wapi Lava Field |
Shield |
1,604 m (5,262 ft) |
-300 |
65 km |
| Craters of the Moon |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,005 m (6,578 ft) |
-130 |
124 km |
| Black Butte Crater Lava Field |
Shield |
1,478 m (4,849 ft) |
-8400 |
126 km |
| Hell's Half Acre |
Shield |
1,631 m (5,351 ft) |
-3250 |
152 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COXS WELL (219,424 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
COXS WELL |
219,424 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
CRYSTAL |
218,581 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
RICHFIELDS |
178,385 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
WINECUP COMPLEX (WEST FORK) |
159,805 |
88 km |
| 1992 |
BLACK RIDGE |
147,833 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
MULE BUTTE |
138,102 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
GOOSE CREEK |
131,432 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
FLAT TOP 2 |
102,340 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
BADGER |
86,836 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
CAVE CANYON |
84,780 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
BLACK PINE 2 |
69,897 |
17 km |
| 2000 |
FLATTOP |
56,792 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
WEST BASIN |
56,396 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
DRY GULCH |
55,066 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
54,378 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
STONE 2 |
50,677 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
RUPERT |
45,361 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
RED BRIDGE |
44,096 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
LAIDLAW |
40,551 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
OWINZA |
32,868 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
0.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Malta has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 27°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Malta. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143-$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191-$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96-$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764-$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72-$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143-$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382-$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96-$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57-$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48-$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143-$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820-$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382-$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253-$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478-$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775-$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910-$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764-$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191-$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955-$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72-$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48-$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87-$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39-$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39-$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87-$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82-$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57-$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76-$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48-$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72-$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146-$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573-$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478-$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191-$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382-$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775-$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96-$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $521 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $463 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $456 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $428 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malta
What is the population of Malta?
Malta has a population of 321 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 233 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.6% female and 42.4% male.
Is Malta expensive to live in?
Malta has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,600 (48% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Malta?
Malta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 9.6 inches, with 11.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Malta?
The job market in Malta is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $957. There are 1,135 business establishments in the area, including 71 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 20.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Malta?
The median home value in Malta is $145,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $411,000. The homeownership rate is 92.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,665.
How are the schools in Malta?
Schools in Malta score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Malta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malta?
The obesity rate in Malta is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 0.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,144.
What is transportation like in Malta?
The average commute in Malta is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Malta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malta is 99.1% White. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.4% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.