Median Income
$73,500
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
281/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,083
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Merna Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population380
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density704/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,500
Per Capita$32,828
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$882M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,500
Rent$1,083
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$165,384
Housing Units167
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent281/100K
Property1,531/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking13.6%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain23.0 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,661 ft (811 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.26
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute14 min
Broadband92.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Merna a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merna receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Merna offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merna is $73,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merna is $107,500, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,083 per month. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Merna is below the national average at 281 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,531 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Merna experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.0 inches, including 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Merna has a population of 380 with a density of 704 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.7% female and 56.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Merna is $73,500, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,828 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 488 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,500 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,828 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,725 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 488 |
| County GDP | $882M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Merna is $107,500, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,384, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,083 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,290. 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,384 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,083 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In Merna, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 18.4% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,743. The dentist ratio is 1:2,095. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merna vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,743 |
| Dentists | 1:2,095 |
| Mental Health | 1:814 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Merna has a violent crime rate of 281 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,531 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merna receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merna vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 280.7/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,531.0/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merna experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 308 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 23.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,661 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,661 ft (811 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 704/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4852°N, 99.7611°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Custer County County |
| Nearest Airport | North Platte Regional/Lee Bird Field (LBF)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.0"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
34 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
53 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
24 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
36 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
36 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
34 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
33 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
50 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
33 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
408 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 59 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
55 km |
11 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
BOVEE |
18,875 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,793 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
6,693 |
68 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
HARVEST CA |
6,526 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR CORNERS |
6,241 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,014 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
NEBRASKA RX |
5,624 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
LEACH CA |
5,195 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
5,143 |
69 km |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,503 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
THEDFORD II |
4,133 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
DUNNING |
4,114 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
201 EAST |
4,015 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
37 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
57 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Merna has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Merna. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merna
What is the population of Merna?
Merna has a population of 380 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 704 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.7% female and 56.3% male.
Is Merna expensive to live in?
Merna is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,500, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,500 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,083 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merna safe?
Merna is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 281 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,531 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Merna receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merna?
Merna has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.0 inches, with 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Merna?
The job market in Merna is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 488 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merna?
The median home value in Merna is $107,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,384. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,083. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,290.
How are the schools in Merna?
Schools in Merna score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Merna hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merna?
The obesity rate in Merna is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,743.
What is transportation like in Merna?
The average commute in Merna is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merna?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merna is 91.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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