Median Income
$57,250
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,000
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$539
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Melvern Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population304
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density844/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,250
Per Capita$28,687
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$417M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,000
Rent$539
Ownership76.9%
Zillow$197,135
Housing Units164
Rent Burden13.6%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property1,524/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.0%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,018 ft (310 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute36 min
Broadband90.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Melvern a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melvern receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Melvern offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melvern is $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melvern is $90,000, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $539 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Melvern is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,524 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Melvern enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Melvern has a population of 304 with a density of 844 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 3% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Melvern is $57,250, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,687 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $746, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 370 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,250 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,687 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $746 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,496 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 370 |
| County GDP | $417M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 8.2% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Melvern is $90,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,135, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $539 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,914. 13.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,000 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,135 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $539 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Housing Units | 164 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.35% |
In Melvern, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768. The dentist ratio is 1:7,827. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melvern vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:15,768 |
| Dentists | 1:7,827 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,912 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,634/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Melvern has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,524 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Melvern receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melvern vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.3/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,523.6/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melvern enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,018 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,018 ft (310 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 844/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5073°N, 95.6378°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
105 km |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
2 km NW of Augusta, Kansas |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
6 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
580 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 97 fatalities, 1,270 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
52 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
14 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
52 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
69 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
77 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK WALL |
8,468 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
190 AND YY RD |
7,919 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Melvern has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 31°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Melvern. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melvern
What is the population of Melvern?
Melvern has a population of 304 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 844 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Melvern expensive to live in?
Melvern 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 $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,000 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $539 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melvern safe?
Melvern is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,524 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Melvern receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melvern?
Melvern enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Melvern?
The job market in Melvern is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $746. There are 370 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melvern?
The median home value in Melvern is $90,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,135. For renters, the median monthly rent is $539. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,914.
How are the schools in Melvern?
Schools in Melvern score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Melvern hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melvern?
The obesity rate in Melvern is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768.
What is transportation like in Melvern?
The average commute in Melvern is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, 8.2% use public transit, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melvern?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melvern is 94.1% White, 2% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 27.0% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
