Median Income
$47,083
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,000
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
35/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Melbeta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population149
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density2,483/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans1.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$47,083
Per Capita$22,645
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$2,384M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,000
Rent$738
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$211,227
Housing Units79
Rent Burden46.0%
Crime
F
Violent35/100K
Property1,960/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking14.5%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,826 ft (1,166 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute14 min
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Melbeta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melbeta receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Melbeta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melbeta is $47,083, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melbeta is $70,000, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Melbeta is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,960 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Melbeta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Melbeta has a population of 149 with a density of 2,483 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%), with 8.1% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.1% of residents, while 9.9% speak Spanish. 1.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.1%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.9%
26% below US avg
The median household income in Melbeta is $47,083, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,645 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $994, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,217 business establishments, including 103 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 38.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,083 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,645 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $994 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,293 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,217 |
| County GDP | $2,384M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 103 |
| Healthcare | 118 |
| Retail | 146 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,423 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 38.6% |
The median home value in Melbeta is $70,000, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,227, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $5,423 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 46.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,000 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,227 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 46.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,423 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.75% |
In Melbeta, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430. The dentist ratio is 1:1,618. 80.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melbeta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,430 |
| Dentists | 1:1,618 |
| Mental Health | 1:316 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,217/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 118 |
Melbeta has a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,960 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Melbeta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melbeta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 35.4/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,960.1/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melbeta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 316 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 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 3,826 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,826 ft (1,166 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,483/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7814°N, 103.5176°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scotts Bluff County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.7"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on May 28, 2025.
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
7 km SW of Guernsey, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Nov 2, 1992 |
5 km ESE of Lusk, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
23 km WSW of Hay Springs, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| May 28, 2025 |
9 km ENE of Glendo, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
13 km WNW of Crawford, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 56 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF4 |
29 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1978 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1955 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1998 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1993 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIMMONS (20,950 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
SIMMONS |
20,950 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
23 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
64 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,279 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
CO LINE |
10,961 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
SCHIFF |
6,714 |
35 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
32 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
POST CA |
5,546 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
5,308 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,792 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,047 |
37 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
313 |
3,859 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,586 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
16 km |
| 1986 |
W BLUE CREEK |
3,167 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
2,716 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Melbeta has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 28°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Melbeta. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melbeta
What is the population of Melbeta?
Melbeta has a population of 149 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,483 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Melbeta expensive to live in?
Melbeta is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,083, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,000 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melbeta safe?
Melbeta is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,960 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Melbeta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melbeta?
Melbeta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Melbeta?
The unemployment rate in Melbeta is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $994. There are 1,217 business establishments in the area, including 103 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 38.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melbeta?
The median home value in Melbeta is $70,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,227. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,423.
How are the schools in Melbeta?
Schools in Melbeta score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Melbeta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melbeta?
The obesity rate in Melbeta is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430.
What is transportation like in Melbeta?
The average commute in Melbeta is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 38.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melbeta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melbeta is 83.9% White, 2% Black or African American, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino. 90.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.9% speak Spanish. 1.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.
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