Median Income
$35,000
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$62,000
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.2%
63% higher than US avg
How Melvin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population376
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density1,074/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,000
Per Capita$23,601
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty20.2%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$62,000
Rent$817
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$110,651
Housing Units234
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property1,676/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation804 ft (245 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations2
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 crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Melvin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Melvin is $35,000, 53% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melvin is $62,000, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Melvin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,676 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Melvin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Melvin has a population of 376 with a density of 1,074 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
The median household income in Melvin is $35,000, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,601 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,000 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,601 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.2% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $1,119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Melvin is $62,000, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,651, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 234 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $62,000 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $110,651 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 234 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.99% |
In Melvin, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930. The dentist ratio is 1:2,650. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melvin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Melvin has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,676 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 149.6/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,675.6/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melvin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 44.4 inches. The area receives 24.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 804 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 804 ft (245 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,074/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5710°N, 88.2470°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
113 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
709 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 812 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
18 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Melvin has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.5").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Melvin
What is the population of Melvin?
Melvin has a population of 376 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,074 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Melvin expensive to live in?
Melvin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,000, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $62,000 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Melvin safe?
Melvin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,676 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 24.7 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 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Melvin?
The median home value in Melvin is $62,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,651. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Melvin?
Schools in Melvin score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Melvin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melvin?
The obesity rate in Melvin is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930.
What is transportation like in Melvin?
The average commute in Melvin is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melvin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melvin is 86.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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