Median Income
$65,795
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,500
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
276/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.7%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$600
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.9%
117% higher than US avg
How Melvin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population311
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density1,944/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$65,795
Per Capita$27,803
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty26.9%
County GDP$602M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,500
Rent$600
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$126,498
Housing Units142
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent276/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking17.3%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,578 ft (481 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.7%
High School+66.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Melvin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melvin receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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, high obesity rates. Melvin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Melvin is below the national average at 276 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
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 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches, including 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Melvin has a population of 311 with a density of 1,944 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.8% female and 57.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.5% of residents, while 29.5% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.5%
10% below US avg
Spanish
29.5%
120% above US avg
The median household income in Melvin is $65,795, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,803 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $959, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 272 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,795 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $959 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,321 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.9% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 272 |
| County GDP | $602M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Melvin is $51,500, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,498, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $600 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 142 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,500 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,498 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 142 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.63% |
In Melvin, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,080. The dentist ratio is 1:6,036. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melvin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,080 |
| Dentists | 1:6,036 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,978 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Melvin has a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Melvin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melvin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 276.2/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,696.9/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melvin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. The area receives 41.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,578 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,578 ft (481 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,944/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2865°N, 95.6086°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osceola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.1"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
578 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 322 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Melvin has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Melvin. 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 | $689 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melvin
What is the population of Melvin?
Melvin has a population of 311 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,944 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.8% female and 57.2% male.
Is Melvin expensive to live in?
Melvin 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 $65,795, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,500 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melvin safe?
Melvin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Melvin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melvin?
Melvin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.1 inches, with 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Melvin?
Melvin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $959. There are 272 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melvin?
The median home value in Melvin is $51,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,498. For renters, the median monthly rent is $600. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Melvin?
Schools in Melvin score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.7% of adults in Melvin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melvin?
The obesity rate in Melvin is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,080.
What is transportation like in Melvin?
The average commute in Melvin is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melvin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melvin is 92.3% White. 70.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 29.5% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
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