Melcher-Dallas, IA
Population 1,228 · Iowa
About Melcher-Dallas, IA
Melcher-Dallas is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,228 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,824 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melcher-Dallas features a median home value of $94,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Melcher-Dallas one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $798, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 525 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (388 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (73 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melcher-Dallas shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Melcher-Dallas have an average one-way commute time of 29.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Melcher-Dallas residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Melcher-Dallas, IA
Compared to national averages, Melcher-Dallas has a median household income of $72,824 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $94,600, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $798 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Melcher-Dallas's income is 7% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 28% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Melcher-Dallas, IA?
Melcher-Dallas offers affordable housing with a median home value of $94,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $798/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,824) that falls below the national average. However, Melcher-Dallas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Melcher-Dallas has a population of 1,228 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Melcher-Dallas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Melcher-Dallas
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treynor | 1,228 | $132,679 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Jewell Junction | 1,225 | $75,313 | $128,300 | Compare |
| University Heights | 1,232 | $105,172 | $393,200 | Compare |
| Clarence | 1,223 | $56,875 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Laurens | 1,234 | $56,354 | $71,000 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Springville | 1,210 | $96,250 | $175,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Melcher-Dallas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Melcher-Dallas
What is the population of Melcher-Dallas, IA?
The population of Melcher-Dallas, IA is 1,228 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Melcher-Dallas?
The median household income in Melcher-Dallas, IA is $72,824 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melcher-Dallas?
The median home value in Melcher-Dallas, IA is $94,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melcher-Dallas?
The median monthly rent in Melcher-Dallas, IA is $798, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melcher-Dallas?
The unemployment rate in Melcher-Dallas, IA is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melcher-Dallas, IA a good place to live?
Melcher-Dallas offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,228 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Melcher-Dallas, IA?
18.2% of residents in Melcher-Dallas aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Melcher-Dallas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melcher-Dallas, IA: median home value is $94,600 (61% below national), median rent is $798/month, and median household income is $72,824. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melcher-Dallas?
The poverty rate in Melcher-Dallas, IA is 12.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Melcher-Dallas, IA?
Melcher-Dallas's population is 2.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.