Median Income
$82,027
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,900
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
398/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.8%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$843
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Malvern Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,415
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density890/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$82,027
Per Capita$49,193
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$645M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,900
Rent$843
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$238,640
Housing Units518
Rent Burden16.9%
Crime
F
Violent398/100K
Property1,537/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.7%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,035 ft (315 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.8%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute30 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Malvern a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malvern receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Malvern offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malvern is $82,027, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Malvern is $173,900, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $843 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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,537 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
28.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Malvern experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches, including 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Malvern has a population of 1,415 with a density of 890 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% 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 Malvern is $82,027, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,193 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,059, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 458 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,027 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,193 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,059 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,250 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 458 |
| County GDP | $645M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,433 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Malvern is $173,900, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,640, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $843 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 518 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $5,433 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.9% 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 | $173,900 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,640 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $843 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 518 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,433 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.12% |
In Malvern, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,808. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malvern vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,808 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,126 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Malvern has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,537 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Malvern receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Malvern vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 398.4/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,536.7/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Malvern experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 34.8 inches. The area receives 23.7 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 1,035 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,035 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 890/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0037°N, 95.5841°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mills County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
41 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 544 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
56 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
38 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Malvern has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Malvern. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $704 |
| Toddler | $607 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $468 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malvern
What is the population of Malvern?
Malvern has a population of 1,415 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 890 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Malvern expensive to live in?
Malvern is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,027, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,900 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $843 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.
Is Malvern safe?
The violent crime rate in Malvern is 398 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 1,537 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Malvern receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Malvern?
Malvern has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Malvern?
Malvern has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,059. There are 458 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Malvern?
The median home value in Malvern is $173,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,640. For renters, the median monthly rent is $843. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,433.
How are the schools in Malvern?
Schools in Malvern score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.8% of adults in Malvern hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malvern?
The obesity rate in Malvern is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,808.
What is transportation like in Malvern?
The average commute in Malvern is 30 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Malvern?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malvern is 97% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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