Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melvern, KS
Thinking of moving to Melvern, KS? With a close-knit population of 356 and a median home price of just $84,000, Melvern offers affordable small-town living with a cost of living well below the national average. Residents enjoy short commute times, low crime rates, and a friendly rural atmosphere. The local schools provide personalized attention with low student-teacher ratios, and the area experiences four full seasons with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Explore Melvern for peaceful living, budget-friendly housing, and a welcoming community feel.
Demographics - Melvern, KS
Demographics - Melvern, KS
Melvern, Kansas is a small, close-knit town of 356 residents with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of just over 41 years. The community is predominantly white, with a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a friendly and familiar environment. The moderate population density contributes to a relaxed, rural atmosphere.
Population:
356
Density:
620 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melvern, KS?
Melvern offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $84,000 and average rent around $710, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, especially in housing, while utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced. Residents also benefit from moderate state income tax rates and manageable monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$84,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.3
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
102.4
Transportation:
86.3
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Melvern, KS a safe place to live?
Melvern enjoys a low crime rate, with only 235 violent crimes and 1,320 property crimes per 100,000 residents, leading to favorable odds for personal safety. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 425, making this a secure place for families and individuals. The calm environment contributes to the town’s peaceful rural character.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
235
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,555
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 425
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Melvern, KS year-round?
Melvern experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 90°F and chilly winters dipping to 19°F. The area averages 37.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 62% of the year. This climate offers residents a mix of outdoor opportunities and the beauty of changing seasons.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Melvern benefit from a median household income of $54,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most neighbors drive to work, with an average commute time of under 28 minutes, and the poverty rate is just over 10%. The community is educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$63,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in Melvern, KS?
Melvern’s public schools offer personalized attention with low student-teacher ratios, supporting the educational needs of local children. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is easily accessible, with Ottawa University and Emporia State University located within an hour’s drive. This setup provides strong foundational learning and nearby opportunities for advanced study.
Public Schools
Name:
Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School
Street:
105 SW Main St
Phone:
785-549-3313
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Marais des Cygnes Valley Junior High/High School
Street:
508 N E Main St
Phone:
785-549-3313
Students:
160
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.7
Colleges
Name:
Ottawa University
City:
Ottawa
State:
KS
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
750
Name:
Emporia State University
City:
Emporia
State:
KS
Distance:
43 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Melvern is served by nearby healthcare facilities, including Osage County Community Health Center and Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, providing general, primary, and emergency care. The area has solid health insurance coverage at 91.2% and a moderate ratio of physicians per capita. Access to quality care is convenient for residents seeking both routine and urgent services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Osage County Community Health Center
Address:
131 W 15th St, Lyndon, KS 66451
Phone:
(785) 828-3117
Type:
General & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Stormont Vail Health
Address:
1500 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Phone:
(785) 354-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melvern, KS?
The local housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $84,000 and a high owner occupancy rate of 75.6%. Rental options are available with average rents at $710 for a two-bedroom, and the area has seen modest home appreciation in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates add to the market's stability.
Median Home Price:
$84,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Melvern residents are served by the Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Topeka. Services include licensing, registration, and driver resources, all accessible both in-person and online. The DMV offers convenient contact options and up-to-date information for local motorists.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3671
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.