Median Income
$45,833
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,000
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
280/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,040
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Matthews Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population517
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density1,477/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,833
Per Capita$27,854
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$428M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,000
Rent$1,040
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$192,584
Housing Units224
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent280/100K
Property2,765/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking16.3%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation877 ft (267 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute27 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Matthews a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Matthews receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Matthews has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Matthews is $45,833, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Matthews is $77,000, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,040 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Matthews is below the national average at 280 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,765 per 100,000, 41% above the national average.
Education
10.4% 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 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Matthews experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Matthews has a population of 517 with a density of 1,477 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 14.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% 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 Matthews is $45,833, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,854 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 245 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 0.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,833 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,854 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,691 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 245 |
| County GDP | $428M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,313 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Matthews is $77,000, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,584, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,040 (11% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 224 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,313 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,584 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,040 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 224 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,313 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Matthews, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511. The dentist ratio is 1:5,960. 42.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Matthews vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,511 |
| Dentists | 1:5,960 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,379 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,647/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Matthews has a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,765 per 100,000, 41% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Matthews receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matthews vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 279.8/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,765.4/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Matthews experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°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 41.7 inches. The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 877 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 877 ft (267 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3875°N, 85.4978°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Blackford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
580 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 48 fatalities, 1,554 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
25 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Matthews has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Matthews. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthews
What is the population of Matthews?
Matthews has a population of 517 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,477 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Matthews expensive to live in?
Matthews is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,833, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,000 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,040 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Matthews safe?
Matthews is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,765 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Matthews receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Matthews?
Matthews has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.7 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Matthews?
The job market in Matthews is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 245 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Matthews?
The median home value in Matthews is $77,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,584. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,040. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,313.
How are the schools in Matthews?
Schools in Matthews score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Matthews hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Matthews?
The obesity rate in Matthews is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 42.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511.
What is transportation like in Matthews?
The average commute in Matthews is 27 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Matthews?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Matthews is 85.1% White, 14.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
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