Iowa
Melvin is a small town in Iowa with a population of 311. Residents earn $65,795 per year, which is 12% below the national average.
Based on current data, Melvin receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Melvin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Melvin is $65,795, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 26.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Melvin is $51,500, 82% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
7.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Melvin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches, including 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 70.5% |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 29.5% |
| 120% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $65,795 |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $27,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $959 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,321 |
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 26.9% |
| 117% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 272 |
| County GDP | $602M |
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.63% |
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
| Census Median | $51,500 |
| 82% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,498 |
| Census Median Rent | $600 |
| 48% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.63% |
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 32.1 inches |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 41.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,578 ft (481 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,944/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2865°N, 95.6086°W |
| County FIPS | 19143 |
Winner: Republican by 64.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 7.7% |
| 77% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 66.3% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 1,944/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.2 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 89.7% |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Retail Stores | 28 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Commute | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |