Median Income
$28,250
62% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,700
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$836
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Melfa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population447
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density1,541/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$28,250
Per Capita$19,221
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$2,039M
Commute25 min
Housing
B
Home Value$159,700
Rent$836
Ownership56.4%
Zillow$232,859
Housing Units246
Rent Burden43.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,128/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking15.2%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation51 ft (16 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute25 min
Broadband76.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Melfa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melfa 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Melfa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melfa is $28,250, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melfa is $159,700, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Melfa is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,128 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Melfa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches, including 6.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Melfa has a population of 447 with a density of 1,541 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (59.7%), with 5.1% Hispanic, 24.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.1% of residents, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.1%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.9%
4% below US avg
The median household income in Melfa is $28,250, which is 62% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,221 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,264 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,250 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,221 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,546 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,264 |
| County GDP | $2,039M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 146 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,826 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Melfa is $159,700, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,859, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $836 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 246 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,826 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 43.0% 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 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,700 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,859 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $836 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Housing Units | 246 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,826 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Melfa, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 15.7% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,770. The dentist ratio is 1:1,844. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melfa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,770 |
| Dentists | 1:1,844 |
| Mental Health | 1:739 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Melfa has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,128 per 100,000, 9% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Melfa receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Melfa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,127.7/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 56 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Melfa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 51 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.8°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 51 ft (16 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,541/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6490°N, 75.7407°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Accomack County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
15 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
229 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
152 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
234 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
243 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
203 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
269 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
166 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
167 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
169 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
55 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
98 km |
| 1981 |
Dennis |
Category 1 |
286 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
171 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 76 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1989 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1988 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1983 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1981 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1973 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 2024 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
82 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,260 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Melfa has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.1") and April the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Melfa. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $822 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $523 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $532 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melfa
What is the population of Melfa?
Melfa has a population of 447 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 1,541 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Melfa expensive to live in?
Melfa has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $28,250, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,700 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Melfa safe?
Melfa is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,128 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Melfa receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melfa?
Melfa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches, with 6.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Melfa?
The job market in Melfa is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 1,264 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melfa?
The median home value in Melfa is $159,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,859. For renters, the median monthly rent is $836. Fair market rent is $1,181 for a 1-bedroom and $1,369 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,826.
How are the schools in Melfa?
Schools in Melfa score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Melfa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melfa?
The obesity rate in Melfa is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,770.
What is transportation like in Melfa?
The average commute in Melfa is 25 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melfa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melfa is 59.7% White, 24.6% Black or African American, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 87.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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