Median Income
$61,806
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,200
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Velma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population585
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density433/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,806
Per Capita$30,944
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$2,927M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,200
Rent$920
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$171,031
Rent Burden30.0%
Health
Obesity38.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI45 (Good)
Elevation1,051 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+91.7%
School Score5.08
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute26 min
Libraries3
Is Velma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Velma receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Velma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Velma is $61,806, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Velma is $105,200, 63% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Velma enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Velma has a population of 585 with a density of 433 people per square mile. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 15% Hispanic.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
The median household income in Velma is $61,806, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,806 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,944 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,155 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
| County GDP | $2,927M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 187 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,919 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Velma is $105,200, 63% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,031.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,200 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,031 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,919 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Velma, 38.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.5% report depression. 32.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Velma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,562/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Crime Rates: Velma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
Safety Score
Velma has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,051 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 433/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4564°N, 97.6638°W |
| County FIPS | 40137 |