At a Glance
Median Income
$63,125
$34,058 per capita
Home Value
$161,300
Zillow: $343,397
Median Rent
$1,159/mo
36.0% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
16.1%
90.8% high school+
Unemployment
1.7%
11.4% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
28.7%
15.5% smoking rate
How Merino Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Merino's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Merino a Good Place to Live?
B+
3.8 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Merino residents earn a median household income of $63,125 , which is 16% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $34,058. The unemployment rate stands at 1.7% (53% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 656 business establishments, including 41 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Merino is $161,300 , 43% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $343,397. Median rent is $1,159/month, with 36.0% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 103.1 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1972.
Education
16.1% of adults in Merino hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(52% below the national average).
90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Merino has 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.
Data Overview
People
Population286
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,907/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Foreign Born1.7%
Veterans1.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$34,058
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$1,419M
Avg Weekly Wage$971
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,300
Rent$1,159
Ownership64.6%
Zillow$343,397
Housing Units154
Rent Burden36.0%
Health
Obesity28.7%
Diabetes8.6%
Smoking15.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Premature Death11,936/100K
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
Rain15.2 in/yr
Elevation4,040 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.1/10
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute26 min
Broadband94.4%
Internet Speed94 Mbps
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Did You Know?
The median home in Merino was built in 1972.
The nearest airport is Colorado Plains Regional (22 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.418 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
26.2% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 6 fatal vehicle crashes.