Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,400
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
33/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$960
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.4%
97% lower than US avg
How Medora Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population993
Median Age28.4 yrs
Density3,310/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$20,891
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty0.4%
County GDP$3,591M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,400
Rent$960
Ownership82.0%
Zillow$205,093
Housing Units351
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent33/100K
Property3,439/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.1%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation529 ft (161 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Medora a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Medora receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 high obesity rates. Medora has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Medora is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 0.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Medora is $76,400, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Medora is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,439 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Medora experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Medora has a population of 993 with a density of 3,310 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.4 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (99.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 74.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.4yrs
Median Age
27% below 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 Medora is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,891 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,036 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 13.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,891 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,636 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.4% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,036 |
| County GDP | $3,591M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 104 |
| Retail | 173 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,221 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
The median home value in Medora is $76,400, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,093, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $960 (17% 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. 82.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $2,221 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,400 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,093 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $960 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.0% |
| Housing Units | 351 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,221 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Medora, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,486. The dentist ratio is 1:1,597. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Medora vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,486 |
| Dentists | 1:1,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,010 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,172/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 104 |
Medora has a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,439 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Medora receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Medora vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 33.4/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,439.1/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Medora experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°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 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 529 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 529 ft (161 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,310/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8246°N, 86.1711°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.9"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
81 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Mar 6, 2000 |
0 km E of Darmstadt, Indiana |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
76 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
49 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
2 km ESE of Cynthiana, Indiana |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
522 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 58 fatalities, 1,290 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
98 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
44 km |
11 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
52 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
71 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
65 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
34 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
65 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Medora has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 33°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Medora. 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 Medora
What is the population of Medora?
Medora has a population of 993 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 3,310 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Medora expensive to live in?
Medora 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 $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,400 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Medora safe?
Medora is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,439 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Medora receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Medora?
Medora has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.9 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Medora?
The job market in Medora is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 1,036 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 13.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Medora?
The median home value in Medora is $76,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,093. For renters, the median monthly rent is $960. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,221.
How are the schools in Medora?
Schools in Medora score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.4% of adults in Medora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Medora?
The obesity rate in Medora is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,486.
What is transportation like in Medora?
The average commute in Medora is 25 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Medora?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Medora is 99.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 74.9% have health insurance coverage.