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
1.2%
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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$328,766
Health
Obesity28.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain15.4 in/yr
Elevation4,040 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+90.8%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute26 min
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. 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.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
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. 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. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 3.5% Black.
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. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,058 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,187 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Merino is $161,300, 43% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,159 (0% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,766.
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 |
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
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 32.1% national rate). 26.6% report depression. 19.8% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Crime Rates: Merino vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
Merino has an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 15.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 15.4 inches |
| 60% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 08075 |