Median Income
$70,625
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
23/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.7%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$615
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.6%
95% lower than US avg
How Menlo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population605
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density776/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,625
Per Capita$28,036
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty0.6%
County GDP$736M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Rent$615
Ownership48.6%
Zillow$257,176
Housing Units249
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
F
Violent23/100K
Property704/100K
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking18.2%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain58.3 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation796 ft (243 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.7%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 18%
Commute31 min
Broadband93.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Menlo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Menlo receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Menlo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Menlo is $70,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $615 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Menlo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 704 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
24.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Menlo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Menlo has a population of 605 with a density of 776 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.9% female and 43.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 6.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Menlo is $70,625, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,036 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $845, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,625 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,036 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $845 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.6% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $736M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,497 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 6.9% |
| Work from Home | 0.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,176. Monthly rent averages $615 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 249 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $2,497 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $615 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.4% |
| Housing Units | 249 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,497 |
| 29% below US avg |
In Menlo, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,466. The dentist ratio is 1:2,771. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Menlo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.2% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:12,466 |
| Dentists | 1:2,771 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,522 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
| Premature Death | 14,488/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Menlo has a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 704 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Menlo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Menlo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 22.7/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 704.2/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Menlo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 301 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 58.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 796 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 796 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 776/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4835°N, 85.4776°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chattooga County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richard B Russell Regional - J H Towers Field (RMG) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.3"
54% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
111 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
14 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
54 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
54 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
41 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
12 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
16 km |
| Oct 30, 1991 |
9 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Nov 1, 2009 |
1 km ESE of South Cleveland, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Opal (1995, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
282 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
520 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 127 fatalities, 1,707 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
47 km |
25 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
51 km |
20 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
49 km |
14 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
39 km |
9 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
36 km |
4 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 30, 2013 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROUGH RIDGE (27,610 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROUGH RIDGE |
27,610 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,844 |
73 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
SC 540C/CHOCCOLOCCO |
3,750 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,188 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
PENTECOST |
3,095 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
BANKHEAD I |
3,027 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,908 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
AL-MLR UNITS 2/3 RX |
2,836 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,777 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
5 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
ML 0301 RX BURN |
2,631 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
540C |
2,622 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Menlo has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.5") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Menlo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Menlo
What is the population of Menlo?
Menlo has a population of 605 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 776 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.9% female and 43.1% male.
Is Menlo expensive to live in?
Menlo has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,625, 6% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $615 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Menlo safe?
Menlo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 704 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Menlo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Menlo?
Menlo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Menlo?
Menlo has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $845. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Menlo?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $615. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,497.
How are the schools in Menlo?
Schools in Menlo have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.7% of adults in Menlo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Menlo?
The obesity rate in Menlo is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,466.
What is transportation like in Menlo?
The average commute in Menlo is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, 6.9% use public transit, and 0.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Menlo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Menlo is 92.1% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.