Median Income
$71,667
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,500
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.6%
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Menlo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population33
Median Age30.6 yrs
Density275/mi²
Male / Female67% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans19.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,667
Per Capita$54,115
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$224M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,500
Ownership91.7%
Zillow$181,331
Housing Units14
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,245/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Smoking10.8%
Depression18.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.7 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,948 ft (899 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 9%
Commute21 min
Broadband12.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Menlo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Menlo receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $71,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Menlo is $147,500, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Menlo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
31.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Menlo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.7 inches, including 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Menlo has a population of 33 with a density of 275 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 30.6 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33.3% female and 66.7% male. The city is predominantly White (72.7%), with 21.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 19.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.6yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Menlo is $71,667, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,115 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $930, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,667 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,115 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.494 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Menlo is $147,500, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,331, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 14 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $4,025. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,500 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,331 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.3% |
| Housing Units | 14 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Menlo, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 18.0% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239. The dentist ratio is 1:2,425. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Menlo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 18.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,239 |
| Dentists | 1:2,425 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,932/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Menlo has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below 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 | 143.6/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,244.6/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Menlo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 326 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 20.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,948 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,948 ft (899 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 275/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3561°N, 100.7243°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.7"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very 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
62 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
113 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
84 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Nov 1, 2002 |
9 km SSW of Natoma, Kansas |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
609 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 121 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
81 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY CREEK (4,273 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
75 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Menlo has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Menlo
What is the population of Menlo?
Menlo has a population of 33 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 275 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 33.3% female and 66.7% male.
Is Menlo expensive to live in?
Menlo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $71,667, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,500 (48% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Menlo safe?
Menlo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.7 inches, with 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Menlo?
The job market in Menlo is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $930. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Menlo?
The median home value in Menlo is $147,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,331. The homeownership rate is 91.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,025.
How are the schools in Menlo?
Schools in Menlo score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.6% of adults in Menlo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Menlo?
The obesity rate in Menlo is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 18.0% of residents report depression. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239.
What is transportation like in Menlo?
The average commute in Menlo is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 50% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Menlo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Menlo is 72.7% White, 21.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 19.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.1% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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