Median Income
$35,833
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,300
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
386/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Malta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population705
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density2,074/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,833
Per Capita$23,422
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$516M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,300
Rent$755
Ownership67.7%
Zillow$150,830
Housing Units300
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent386/100K
Property1,764/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking18.8%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation670 ft (204 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute18 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is Malta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malta receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Malta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malta is $35,833, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Malta is $98,300, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,764 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Malta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches, including 19.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Malta has a population of 705 with a density of 2,074 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 8.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Malta is $35,833, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,422 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $915, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 235 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,833 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,422 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $915 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,452 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 235 |
| County GDP | $516M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,286 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Malta is $98,300, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,830, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 300 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $2,286 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% 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 | $98,300 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $150,830 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.3% |
| Housing Units | 300 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,286 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.33% |
In Malta, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,682. The dentist ratio is 1:4,556. 13.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:13,682 |
| Dentists | 1:4,556 |
| Mental Health | 1:505 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 54.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 13.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Malta has a violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,764 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Malta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Malta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 385.9/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,764.1/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Malta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°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 45.0 inches. The area receives 19.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 670 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 670 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,074/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6511°N, 81.8632°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Morgan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.0"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
35 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
37 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
57 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
43 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
53 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
37 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
214 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 184 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 (1,050 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
33 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
34 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Malta has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malta
What is the population of Malta?
Malta has a population of 705 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 2,074 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Malta expensive to live in?
Malta is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,833, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,300 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Malta safe?
The violent crime rate in Malta is 386 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 1,764 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Malta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Malta?
Malta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.0 inches, with 19.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Malta?
Malta has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $915. There are 235 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Malta?
The median home value in Malta is $98,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,830. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,286.
How are the schools in Malta?
Schools in Malta score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Malta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malta?
The obesity rate in Malta is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 13.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,682.
What is transportation like in Malta?
The average commute in Malta is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Malta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malta is 87.9% White, 8.7% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.