Melvern, KS
Population 304 · Kansas
About Melvern, KS
Melvern is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 304 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,250 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melvern features a median home value of $90,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Melvern one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $539, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 155 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (90 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (27 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melvern shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Melvern have an average one-way commute time of 36 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
23.2% of Melvern 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 0.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Melvern Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Melvern, KS
Compared to national averages, Melvern has a median household income of $57,250 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,000, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $539 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Melvern's income is 11% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 21% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Melvern, KS?
Melvern offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $539/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,250) that falls below the national average. However, Melvern’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Melvern has a population of 304 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Melvern with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
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Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Melvern
What is the population of Melvern, KS?
The population of Melvern, KS is 304 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Melvern?
The median household income in Melvern, KS is $57,250 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melvern?
The median home value in Melvern, KS is $90,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melvern?
The median monthly rent in Melvern, KS is $539, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melvern?
The unemployment rate in Melvern, KS is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melvern, KS a good place to live?
Melvern offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 304 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Melvern, KS?
23.2% of residents in Melvern 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 Melvern?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melvern, KS: median home value is $90,000 (63% below national), median rent is $539/month, and median household income is $57,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melvern?
The poverty rate in Melvern, KS is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Melvern, KS?
Melvern's population is 0.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.