Median Income
$43,458
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,500
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
112/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.6%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$637
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How Marengo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population823
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density769/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,458
Per Capita$24,760
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty14.8%
County GDP$239M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,500
Rent$637
Ownership51.2%
Zillow$166,514
Housing Units484
Rent Burden22.0%
Crime
F
Violent112/100K
Property3,799/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking21.5%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.0 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation625 ft (191 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.6%
High School+80.5%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.33
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute34 min
Broadband63.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Marengo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marengo receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Marengo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marengo is $43,458, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marengo is $87,500, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $637 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Marengo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,799 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
4.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Marengo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Marengo has a population of 823 with a density of 769 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Marengo is $43,458, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $833, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 171 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,458 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $833 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,121 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 171 |
| County GDP | $239M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,529 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Marengo is $87,500, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,514, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $637 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 484 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $2,529 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,500 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,514 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $637 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.8% |
| Housing Units | 484 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,529 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.89% |
In Marengo, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marengo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,491 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 51.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,675/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Marengo has a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,799 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Marengo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Marengo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 112.2/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,799.0/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marengo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 290 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 625 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 625 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 769/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3712°N, 86.3428°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.0"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
51 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
133 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
130 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
29 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
22 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
506 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 84 fatalities, 1,498 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
73 km |
31 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
49 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
15 km |
11 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
100 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
55 km |
11 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
96 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
84 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
41 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 14 |
1,170 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
38 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Marengo has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 33°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Marengo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Marengo
What is the population of Marengo?
Marengo has a population of 823 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 769 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Marengo expensive to live in?
Marengo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,458, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,500 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $637 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marengo safe?
Marengo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,799 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Marengo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marengo?
Marengo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Marengo?
The job market in Marengo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $833. There are 171 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marengo?
The median home value in Marengo is $87,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,514. For renters, the median monthly rent is $637. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,529.
How are the schools in Marengo?
Schools in Marengo score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.6% of adults in Marengo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marengo?
The obesity rate in Marengo is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Marengo?
The average commute in Marengo is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marengo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marengo is 96% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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