Median Income
$83,611
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$178,900
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,036
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Malta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,507
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density2,431/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$83,611
Per Capita$31,937
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$5,661M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,900
Rent$1,036
Ownership66.0%
Zillow$280,656
Housing Units547
Rent Burden20.6%
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking13.9%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Elevation914 ft (279 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute26 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations16
Libraries11
Is Malta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malta receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing. 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 $83,611, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Malta is $178,900, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,036 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Malta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches, including 33.1 inches of snow.
Malta has a population of 1,507 with a density of 2,431 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (74.1%), with 19% Hispanic, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.1% of residents, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,507
Total Population
2023 Census
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.1%
10% above US avg
Spanish
11.3%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Malta is $83,611, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,937 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,988 business establishments, including 212 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,611 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,937 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,988 |
| County GDP | $5,661M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 212 |
| Healthcare | 224 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 100 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Malta is $178,900, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,656, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $304,950 with homes selling in an average of 79 days. Homes sell for 99.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,036 (11% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 547 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $7,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,900 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,656 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $304,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $304,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $161 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 79 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,036 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.0% |
| Housing Units | 547 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.04% |
In Malta, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,719. The dentist ratio is 1:1,474. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:228 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,708/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 224 |
Malta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. The area receives 33.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 914 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 914 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,431/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9295°N, 88.8712°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | DeKalb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.59"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
52 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
31 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
52 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
34 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
51 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
31 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
625 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 121 fatalities, 2,185 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
51 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
36 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
33 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
86 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Malta has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 21°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.7").
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) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,268 |
| Toddler | $1,039 |
| Preschool | $1,021 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $836 |
| Toddler | $831 |
| Preschool | $794 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malta
What is the population of Malta?
Malta has a population of 1,507 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,431 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Malta expensive to live in?
Malta has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $83,611, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,900 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,036 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, 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 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches, with 33.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Malta?
Malta has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,988 business establishments in the area, including 212 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Malta?
The median home value in Malta is $178,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,656. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $304,950, with homes typically selling within 79 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,036. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,219.
How are the schools in Malta?
Schools in Malta score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Malta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malta?
The obesity rate in Malta is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,719.
What is transportation like in Malta?
The average commute in Malta is 26 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Malta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malta is 74.1% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 19% Hispanic or Latino. 86.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.