The origin of the name "Qulin" is a mystery. It was given by Alfred Kelly for a school three miles from the present site of Qulin. It's not known whether he made up the name out of thin air, or named it for his daughters Quincy and Laura.
Originally called Melville (or Mellville), after Lowell Mellville Palmer. The named was changed to Qulin by the post office to avoid duplication with two other Melvilles in Missouri.
| Year | Population | Percent change |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | 236 | -- |
| 1940 | 357 | +51.3% |
| 1950 | 426 | +19.3% |
| 1960 | 587 | +37.8% |
| 1970 | 496 | -15.5% |
| 1980 | 545 | +9.9% |
| 1990 | 384 | -29.5% |
| 2000 | 467 | +21.6% |