Median Income
$78,333
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$107,100
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
387/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,078
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.2%
183% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Menlo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population355
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density710/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$78,333
Per Capita$35,825
Unemployment10.2%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$753M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,100
Rent$1,078
Ownership90.4%
Zillow$206,836
Housing Units173
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent387/100K
Property2,202/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking15.7%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,262 ft (385 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute23 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Menlo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Menlo receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Menlo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Menlo is $78,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Menlo is $107,100, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,078 per month. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Menlo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Menlo has a population of 355 with a density of 710 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.8% female and 57.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Menlo is $78,333, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,825. The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 395 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,333 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,825 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,854 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.2% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 395 |
| County GDP | $753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
The median home value in Menlo is $107,100, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,836, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,078 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 173 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,696 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,100 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,836 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,078 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.6% |
| Housing Units | 173 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.32% |
In Menlo, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522. The dentist ratio is 1:2,662. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Menlo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,522 |
| Dentists | 1:2,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,574 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,483/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Menlo has a violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,202 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 387.1/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,201.8/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 44 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Menlo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,262 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,262 ft (385 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 710/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5221°N, 94.4038°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Guthrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
705 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 294 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
26 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
36 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Menlo has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$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 | $711 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Menlo
What is the population of Menlo?
Menlo has a population of 355 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 710 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.8% female and 57.2% male.
Is Menlo expensive to live in?
Menlo 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 $78,333, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,100 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,078 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Menlo safe?
The violent crime rate in Menlo is 387 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Menlo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Menlo?
Menlo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Menlo?
The job market in Menlo faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 395 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Menlo?
The median home value in Menlo is $107,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,836. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,078. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,696.
How are the schools in Menlo?
Schools in Menlo score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.6% of adults in Menlo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Menlo?
The obesity rate in Menlo is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522.
What is transportation like in Menlo?
The average commute in Menlo is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Menlo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Menlo is 89.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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