Median Income
$72,824
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,600
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$798
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Melcher-Dallas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,228
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density1,181/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,824
Per Capita$28,844
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$2,878M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,600
Rent$798
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$294,912
Housing Units532
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property2,973/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.0%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation940 ft (287 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Melcher-Dallas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melcher-Dallas receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Melcher-Dallas offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melcher-Dallas is $72,824, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melcher-Dallas is $94,600, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $798 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
Violent crime in Melcher-Dallas is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Melcher-Dallas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Melcher-Dallas has a population of 1,228 with a density of 1,181 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Melcher-Dallas vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Melcher-Dallas vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Melcher-Dallas is $72,824, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,844 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,222, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,062 business establishments, including 80 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. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Melcher-Dallas vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,824 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,844 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,222 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,851 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,062 |
| County GDP | $2,878M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 126 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,610 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Melcher-Dallas is $94,600, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,912, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $798 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 532 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,610 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.8% 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 | $94,600 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,912 |
| Median List Price | $99,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $99,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $255 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 42.9% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $798 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 532 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,610 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.93% |
In Melcher-Dallas, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043. The dentist ratio is 1:1,682. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melcher-Dallas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,043 |
| Dentists | 1:1,682 |
| Mental Health | 1:637 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Melcher-Dallas has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Melcher-Dallas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melcher-Dallas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 236.0/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,973.1/100K |
| 52% 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 |
Melcher-Dallas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°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 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 940 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 940 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,181/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2270°N, 93.2416°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 296 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
83 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Melcher-Dallas has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Melcher-Dallas. 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 | $702 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $605 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $474 |
| Toddler | $466 |
| Preschool | $466 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melcher-Dallas
What is the population of Melcher-Dallas?
Melcher-Dallas has a population of 1,228 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,181 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Melcher-Dallas expensive to live in?
Melcher-Dallas 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 $72,824, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,600 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $798 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 Melcher-Dallas safe?
Melcher-Dallas is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Melcher-Dallas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melcher-Dallas?
Melcher-Dallas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Melcher-Dallas?
Melcher-Dallas has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,222. There are 1,062 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melcher-Dallas?
The median home value in Melcher-Dallas is $94,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,912. For renters, the median monthly rent is $798. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,610.
How are the schools in Melcher-Dallas?
Schools in Melcher-Dallas score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Melcher-Dallas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melcher-Dallas?
The obesity rate in Melcher-Dallas is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043.
What is transportation like in Melcher-Dallas?
The average commute in Melcher-Dallas is 30 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melcher-Dallas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melcher-Dallas is 98.3% White. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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