Median Income
$41,406
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,900
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
832/100K
119% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.7%
131% higher than US avg
How Melville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population684
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density543/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,406
Per Capita$18,764
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty28.7%
County GDP$1,079M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,900
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$77,942
Housing Units444
Rent Burden31.7%
Crime
F
Violent832/100K
Property1,830/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking23.8%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain58.5 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation31 ft (9 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+83.1%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score3.76
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute43 min
Broadband47.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Melville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melville receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Melville has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melville is $41,406, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 28.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melville is $111,900, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 832 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,830 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Melville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Melville has a population of 684 with a density of 543 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.7% female and 36.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (56.7%), with 38.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Melville is $41,406, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,764 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,016, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 540 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 14.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,406 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,764 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,016 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,505 |
| Gini Index | 0.506 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.7% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 540 |
| County GDP | $1,079M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,978 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.4% |
| Public Transit | 5.9% |
| Work from Home | 14.3% |
The median home value in Melville is $111,900, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $77,942, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $1,978 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,900 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $77,942 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 444 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,978 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Melville, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 45.8% have high blood pressure. 23.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 38.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,393. The dentist ratio is 1:2,879. 42.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.8% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 10.3% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.8% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.5% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 23.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,393 |
| Dentists | 1:2,879 |
| Mental Health | 1:800 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.1% |
| Dental Visits | 46.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,129/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Melville has a violent crime rate of 832 per 100,000 residents, 119% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,830 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Melville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 832.0/100K |
| 119% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,830.3/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 306 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 58.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 31 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 68.8°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 31 ft (9 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 543/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.6920°N, 91.7505°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pointe Coupee Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.5"
54% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
146 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
158 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
186 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
128 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
183 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
210 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
216 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
230 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
273 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
22 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
260 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 38 fatalities, 616 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1981 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1969 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (12,496 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,338 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,203 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALE C-34-369 |
3,183 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
C-34/369 |
3,160 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,113 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
C371/372 |
2,944 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
2,648 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
MELDER 1 |
2,578 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
EVANGELINE COMPARTMENT 361 |
2,553 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,552 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
C-48/372 |
2,336 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
HOMOCHITTO BB28 SUB3 RX |
2,279 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,235 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
Melville has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 52°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.1") and October the driest (4.2").
Average costs for common services in Melville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($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–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
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 |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $533 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melville
What is the population of Melville?
Melville has a population of 684 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 543 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 63.7% female and 36.3% male.
Is Melville expensive to live in?
Melville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,406, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,900 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melville safe?
Public safety is a concern in Melville, with a violent crime rate of 832 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,830 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Melville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melville?
Melville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Melville?
The job market in Melville is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,016. There are 540 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 14.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melville?
The median home value in Melville is $111,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $77,942. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $1,978.
How are the schools in Melville?
Schools in Melville have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.6% of adults in Melville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.1% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melville?
The obesity rate in Melville is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.8% of adults are smokers. 38.5% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,393.
What is transportation like in Melville?
The average commute in Melville is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.4% of workers drive alone to work, 5.9% use public transit, and 14.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melville is 38.2% White, 56.7% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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