Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
418/100K
10% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,159
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.7%
11% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Merino Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population286
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,907/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans1.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$34,058
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$1,419M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,300
Rent$1,159
Ownership64.6%
Zillow$328,766
Housing Units154
Rent Burden36.0%
Crime
F
Violent418/100K
Property3,058/100K
Health
Obesity28.7%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking15.5%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain15.4 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation4,040 ft (1,231 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute26 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Merino a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merino receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Merino offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merino is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merino is $161,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,159 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,058 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Merino experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Merino has a population of 286 with a density of 1,907 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.6% of residents, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.6%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.4%
52% below US avg
The median household income in Merino is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,058 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 656 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,058 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,187 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 656 |
| County GDP | $1,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 86 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Merino is $161,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,766, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,159 (0% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,204 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $328,766 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,159 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.4% |
| Housing Units | 154 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
In Merino, 28.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,535. The dentist ratio is 1:1,602. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merino vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.7% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,535 |
| Dentists | 1:1,602 |
| Mental Health | 1:282 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.1% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Merino has a violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 residents, 10% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,058 per 100,000, 56% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merino receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merino vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 418.3/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,058.2/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merino experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 316 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 15.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 4,040 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,040 ft (1,231 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,907/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4837°N, 103.3537°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Logan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Colorado Plains Regional (AKO)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.4"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 13, 2025.
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Mar 30, 2019 |
7 km NE of Greeley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Jun 13, 2025 |
7 km SE of Erie, Colorado |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Eaton, Colorado |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
737 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 32 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1996 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1975 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1996 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
61 km |
| 2012 |
LAST CHANCE |
17,958 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
37 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
5,258 |
58 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,760 |
34 km |
| 2021 |
BIJOU |
3,485 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
17 km |
| 2022 |
CR 15 |
3,244 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,261 |
47 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,134 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
CO RD 128 |
1,867 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
93 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,782 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
104 |
1,745 |
45 km |
| 2020 |
SHAMROCK |
1,582 |
74 km |
| 2001 |
SPRING |
1,380 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,337 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
WILDHORSE 5 |
1,232 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
KEOTA |
1,146 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
Merino has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Merino. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $719 |
| Toddler | $680 |
| Preschool | $680 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $589 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merino
What is the population of Merino?
Merino has a population of 286 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,907 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Merino expensive to live in?
Merino has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,300 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,159 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merino safe?
The violent crime rate in Merino is 418 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,058 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Merino receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merino?
Merino has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Merino?
The job market in Merino is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 656 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merino?
The median home value in Merino is $161,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,766. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,159. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,204.
How are the schools in Merino?
Schools in Merino score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.1% of adults in Merino hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merino?
The obesity rate in Merino is 28.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,535.
What is transportation like in Merino?
The average commute in Merino is 26 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merino?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merino is 92% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 93.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are military veterans. 26.8% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
