At a Glance
Median Income
$78,333
$35,825 per capita
Home Value
$107,100
Zillow: $234,553
Median Rent
$1,078/mo
24.1% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
8.6%
92.2% high school+
Unemployment
12.3%
1.9% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
37.2%
15.7% smoking rate
How Menlo Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Menlo's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Menlo a Good Place to Live?
B
3.4 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Menlo residents earn a median household income of $78,333 , which is 4% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $35,825. The unemployment rate stands at 12.3% (242% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 395 business establishments, including 27 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Menlo is $107,100 , 62% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $234,553. Median rent is $1,078/month, with 24.1% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 87.8 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1938.
Education
8.6% of adults in Menlo hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(74% below the national average).
92.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.9/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Menlo has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population355
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density710/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Foreign Born2.5%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$78,333
Per Capita$35,825
Unemployment12.3%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$753M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,041
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,100
Rent$1,078
Ownership90.4%
Zillow$234,553
Housing Units173
Rent Burden24.1%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Diabetes8.9%
Smoking15.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Premature Death6,483/100K
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
Rain37.1 in/yr
Elevation1,262 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.9/10
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute23 min
Broadband81.5%
Internet Speed85 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Did You Know?
Menlo was founded in 1869.
The median home in Menlo was built in 1938.
The nearest airport is Des Moines International (36 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.427 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
16.1% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.