Median Income
$53,558
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,600
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,238/100K
226% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.1%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,083
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.8%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Merigold Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population634
Median Age28.6 yrs
Density654/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,558
Per Capita$25,306
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$1,386M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,600
Rent$1,083
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$140,574
Housing Units222
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent1,238/100K
Property7,214/100K
Health
Obesity45.8%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking19.9%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain54.0 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation144 ft (44 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.1%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score3.75
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 62%
Commute27 min
Broadband70.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Merigold a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merigold receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Merigold offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merigold is $53,558, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merigold is $107,600, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,083 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,238 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,214 per 100,000, 268% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Merigold enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Merigold has a population of 634 with a density of 654 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 28.6 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (56.2%), with 43.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 23.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.6yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Merigold is $53,558, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,306 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $855, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 841 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,558 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,306 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $855 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,801 |
| Gini Index | 0.559 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 841 |
| County GDP | $1,386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Merigold is $107,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,574, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,083 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 222 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,290. 17.7% 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 | $107,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,574 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,083 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 222 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In Merigold, 45.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 47.4% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.4% report binge drinking. 39.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,021. The dentist ratio is 1:2,259. 53.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merigold vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.8% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.9% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,021 |
| Dentists | 1:2,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,073 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.5% |
| Dental Visits | 7.0% |
| Premature Death | 19,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Merigold has a violent crime rate of 1,238 per 100,000 residents, 226% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,214 per 100,000, 268% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merigold receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merigold vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,238.3/100K |
| 226% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,213.8/100K |
| 268% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merigold enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 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 54.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 144 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 144 ft (44 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 654/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8391°N, 90.7264°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bolivar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pinebluff Regional/Grider Field (PBF)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.0"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0462 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Jan 8, 2019.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
32 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
26 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
32 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 11, 1996 |
9 km ENE of Biscoe, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Oct 20, 1999 |
8 km NE of Clarendon, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Katrina (2005, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
249 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
426 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 27 fatalities, 464 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1978 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
87 km |
3 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1976 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1973 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1972 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
19 km |
3 |
| Feb 9, 1965 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1965 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
66 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,376 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS IU 130-1 RX |
1,839 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS - BB 123 124 |
1,761 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 139 |
1,671 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS IU 127-1 128-1 RX |
1,353 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 134 |
1,257 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 127/128 |
1,231 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS CPT 123124 RX |
1,216 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 130/136 |
1,129 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 135 |
1,063 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
C-132 |
889 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 133 |
866 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
310 WEST OF COMO |
745 |
96 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
651 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
647 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
599 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
4.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Merigold has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 42°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and August the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Merigold. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $501 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merigold
What is the population of Merigold?
Merigold has a population of 634 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 654 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Merigold expensive to live in?
Merigold is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,558, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,083 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merigold safe?
Public safety is a concern in Merigold, with a violent crime rate of 1,238 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,214 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Merigold receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merigold?
Merigold enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Merigold?
The job market in Merigold is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $855. There are 841 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merigold?
The median home value in Merigold is $107,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,574. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,083. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,290.
How are the schools in Merigold?
Schools in Merigold have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 40.1% of adults in Merigold hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merigold?
The obesity rate in Merigold is 45.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 39.9% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 12.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,021.
What is transportation like in Merigold?
The average commute in Merigold is 27 minutes. 96.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merigold?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merigold is 56.2% White, 43.7% Black or African American. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.9% of residents have a disability. 87.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
