Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,300
43% lower 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
1.7%
53% 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
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$1,419M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,300
Rent$1,159
Ownership64.6%
Zillow$343,397
Housing Units154
Rent Burden36.0%
Health
Obesity28.7%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking15.5%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain15.2 in/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 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, 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 1.7%. 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.
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 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.2 inches, including 36.6 inches of snow.
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 6.3% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
286
Total Population
2023 Census
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% 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 1.7% (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 | 1.7% |
| 53% 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 $343,397, 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 | $343,397 |
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. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below 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 | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below 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 experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 4,040 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
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
15.2"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.67"
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 |
Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Merino has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in December to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.3").
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.
What is the weather like in Merino?
Merino has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.2 inches, with 36.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Merino?
The job market in Merino is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / 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 $343,397. 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. 5.9% lack health insurance (below 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, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are military veterans. 26.2% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.