At a Glance
Median Income
$35,000
$23,601 per capita
Home Value
$62,000
Zillow: $125,854
Median Rent
$817/mo
20.0% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
14.6%
87.0% high school+
Unemployment
7.3%
20.2% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
38.2%
16.4% smoking rate
How Melvin Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Melvin's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Melvin a Good Place to Live?
B
3.1 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Melvin residents earn a median household income of $35,000 , which is 53% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $23,601. The unemployment rate stands at 7.3% (103% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 367 business establishments, including 34 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Melvin is $62,000 , 78% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $125,854. Median rent is $817/month, with 20.0% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 100.0 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1951.
Education
14.6% of adults in Melvin hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(57% below the national average).
87.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.0/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Melvin has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C).
Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population376
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density1,074/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Foreign Born4.3%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,000
Per Capita$23,601
Unemployment7.3%
Poverty20.2%
County GDP$1,119M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,074
Housing
A+
Home Value$62,000
Rent$817
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$125,854
Housing Units234
Rent Burden20.0%
Health
Obesity38.2%
Diabetes10.5%
Smoking16.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Premature Death9,101/100K
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
Rain37.7 in/yr
Elevation804 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score6.0/10
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.9%
Internet Speed49 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Did You Know?
The median home in Melvin was built in 1951.
The nearest airport is Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (36 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.435 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
18.4% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.