Median Income
$53,438
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$39,500
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.6%
83% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Melvin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population123
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density267/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,438
Per Capita$34,733
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$440M
Housing
A+
Home Value$39,500
Ownership98.1%
Zillow$111,244
Housing Units83
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property1,652/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured30.4%
Smoking13.6%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,837 ft (560 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.6%
High School+60.0%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Broadband53.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Melvin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melvin receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured 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 $53,438, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Melvin is $39,500, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x 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 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Melvin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Melvin has a population of 123 with a density of 267 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (59.3%), with 10.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 49% of residents, while 51% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 56.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
49.0%
38% below US avg
Spanish
51.0%
281% above US avg
The median household income in Melvin is $53,438, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,733 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 276 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,438 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,733 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,212 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $440M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,289 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Melvin is $39,500, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,244, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 83 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $5,289 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $39,500 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $111,244 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.9% |
| Housing Units | 83 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,289 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.39% |
In Melvin, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 16.4% report binge drinking. 34.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.4% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 30.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,511. The dentist ratio is 1:3,748. 77.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melvin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.9% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 56.3% |
| Uninsured | 30.4% |
| 253% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,511 |
| Dentists | 1:3,748 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,726 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 48.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,691/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Melvin has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,652 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Melvin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melvin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.9/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,652.3/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melvin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 328 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,837 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.9°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,837 ft (560 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 267/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1992°N, 99.5813°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McCulloch County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Angelo Regional/Mathis Field (SJT) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very 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: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 23, 2024.
| Jun 23, 2024 |
26 km WNW of Robert Lee, Texas |
M3.3 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
256 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 5 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1979 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1952 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 2017 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SAN SABA FIRE (12,896 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
40 km |
| 1993 |
MENARD FIRE |
10,463 |
46 km |
| 2015 |
EATON CEMETERY |
10,441 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
MAYS |
9,736 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
OASIS |
7,919 |
95 km |
| 1999 |
WILLIAMS RANCH FIRE |
6,226 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
HEAD OF THE RIVER RANCH |
5,205 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
TALPA |
5,117 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,490 |
56 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
3,951 |
33 km |
| 2011 |
JAMES RIVER ROAD |
3,918 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
3,630 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
ROCKING CHAIR RANCH |
3,410 |
66 km |
| 2015 |
LOG CABIN |
3,391 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,133 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,928 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
CAMP BOWIE |
2,652 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
ART |
2,623 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Melvin has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 44°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (1.1").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $446 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $442 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $416 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melvin
What is the population of Melvin?
Melvin has a population of 123 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 267 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Melvin expensive to live in?
Melvin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,438, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $39,500 (86% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, 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 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Melvin?
The unemployment rate in Melvin is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Melvin?
The median home value in Melvin is $39,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,244. The homeownership rate is 98.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,289.
How are the schools in Melvin?
Schools in Melvin score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.6% of adults in Melvin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.0% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melvin?
The obesity rate in Melvin is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 34.9% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 30.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,511.
What are the demographics of Melvin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melvin is 59.3% White, 10.6% Hispanic or Latino. 49% of residents speak only English at home, while 51% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 56.3% have health insurance coverage.