Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melcher, IA
Considering a move to Melcher, IA? This welcoming community of around 1,090 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $121,000 and rent averaging $765. Commute times are short (25 minutes), crime rates are low, and schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with 60% sunny days, local healthcare access, and a strong sense of community—Melcher makes small-town Iowa living easy and appealing.
Demographics - Melcher, IA
Demographics - Melcher, IA
Melcher, Iowa is a small community of about 1,090 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and a modest percentage of residents speak languages other than English, creating a close-knit and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
1,090
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melcher, IA?
Living in Melcher is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average. The median home value sits at $121,000 and typical monthly rent is $765, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$121,000
Gross Rent:
$765
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.3
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
67.9
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Melcher, IA a safe place to live?
Melcher boasts low crime rates, with violent crime being especially rare at just 94 incidents per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy a safe environment with minimal concerns for both violent and property crimes.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
94
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,015
Crime Index:
1,109
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,064
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Melcher, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The area receives about 37 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 60% of the year.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Melcher benefit from a median income of $56,900 and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times average a manageable 25 minutes, fostering a comfortable and stable community.
Median Income:
$32,600
Household Income:
$56,900
Family Income:
$67,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$31,300
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$765
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
25.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Melcher, IA?
Melcher offers local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, supporting individualized attention. Nearby colleges like Simpson College and Central College are within a short drive, expanding higher education opportunities for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Melcher-Dallas Elementary School
Street:
214 S Main St
Phone:
641-947-3141
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Melcher-Dallas High School
Street:
214 S Main St
Phone:
641-947-3141
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9

Colleges
Name:
Simpson College
City:
Indianola
State:
IA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Central College
City:
Pella
State:
IA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Melcher residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals located nearby in Knoxville and Pella. Health insurance coverage is high at 94.7%, and there are over two physicians per 1,000 residents, supporting community well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics
Address:
1002 S Lincoln St, Knoxville, IA 50138
Phone:
(641) 842-2151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Pella Regional Health Center
Address:
404 Jefferson St, Pella, IA 50219
Phone:
(641) 628-3150
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melcher, IA?
The housing market in Melcher is accessible, with a median home price of $121,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 73%. Home values have seen healthy appreciation, while rental options remain available and affordable.
Median Home Price:
$121,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$765
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle licensing and registration through the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in nearby Ankeny. The DMV provides accessible services and information online and by phone, ensuring convenience for local drivers.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.