Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melfa, VA
Considering a move to Melfa, VA? With a close-knit population of 359 and a low median home price of $143,000, Melfa offers affordable small-town living on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Enjoy mild weather with 60% sunny days, quick 20-minute commutes, and a peaceful atmosphere with low crime rates. The area offers access to healthcare, public schools, and a local community college, making it a cozy option for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Demographics - Melfa, VA
Melfa is a small, close-knit community of 359 residents, with a median age of nearly 48, and a population that is mostly White and Black. The area features a moderate population density and a slightly higher number of females, reflecting a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle. Around 5.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town's modest diversity.
Population:
359
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.8
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.5%
Black:
19.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melfa, VA?
Melfa offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $143,000 and average rent around $800 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making the town attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families. Utility costs and state taxes remain moderate, supporting an accessible lifestyle for residents.
Median House Value:
$143,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
62.3
Utilities:
101.0
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Melfa, VA a safe place to live?
Melfa experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 people and property crime rates well below national averages. The chance of falling victim to violent crime is about 1 in 649, offering residents a sense of safety and peace. Property crimes are infrequent, making the town appealing for those prioritizing security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
154
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,404
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 649
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Melfa, VA year-round?
Residents of Melfa enjoy a mild climate with warm summers peaking at 87°F and winters that rarely dip below freezing. The town receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making Melfa comfortable year-round.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Melfa's residents typically enjoy a modest median household income of $35,500 and a relaxed pace of life. Most neighbors are homeowners, and the average commute time is just 20 minutes, with very little reliance on public transit. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 18.9%, the community maintains strong ties and a welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,300
Household Income:
$35,500
Family Income:
$45,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,850
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
18.9%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
20.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.4%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Melfa, VA?
Melfa offers convenient access to public education, with local schools like Accawmacke Elementary and Nandua Middle providing reasonable student-to-teacher ratios. Eastern Shore Community College is situated right in town, serving over 1,000 students and supporting lifelong learning. While there are no private schools, educational needs are well met for families and adults alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Accawmacke Elementary School
Street:
26230 Drummondtown Rd
Phone:
757-787-8013
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Nandua Middle School
Street:
20330 Warrior Dr
Phone:
757-787-1534
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Colleges
Name:
Eastern Shore Community College
City:
Melfa
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Melfa is anchored by Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in nearby Onancock, providing emergency and general care. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, basic health needs are well-served. The area’s healthcare index reflects accessible services for a small town.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
Address:
20480 Market St, Onancock, VA 23417
Phone:
(757) 302-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melfa, VA?
Melfa’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $143,000 and owner-occupancy at 65%. Rental options are available, with the average two-bedroom rent at $800 and a vacancy rate just above 9%. Home values have appreciated by 4% over the past year, indicating gradual growth.
Median Home Price:
$143,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are handled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office in Richmond and comprehensive resources available online. Residents can easily access vehicle registration, licensing, and other services through the state DMV. The process is streamlined for convenience, supporting Melfa’s relaxed lifestyle.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23269
Phone:
804-497-7100
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.