Median Income
$44,444
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,800
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.3%
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.5%
303% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Merriam Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population309
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density312/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,444
Per Capita$26,373
Unemployment14.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,553M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,800
Ownership77.5%
Zillow$251,591
Housing Units131
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property1,622/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation938 ft (286 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.3%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute23 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Merriam a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merriam receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Merriam offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merriam is $44,444, 41% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merriam is $123,800, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Merriam is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,622 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Merriam experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Merriam has a population of 309 with a density of 312 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.6% female and 65.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 2.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Merriam is $44,444, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,373 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 983 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,444 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,373 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,905 |
| Gini Index | 0.383 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.5% |
| 303% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 983 |
| County GDP | $2,553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 82 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 127 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,487 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Merriam is $123,800, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,591, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 131 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $3,487. 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,800 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,591 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.5% |
| Housing Units | 131 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,487 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Merriam, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,952. The dentist ratio is 1:3,947. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merriam vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,952 |
| Dentists | 1:3,947 |
| Mental Health | 1:988 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,647/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 82 |
Merriam has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,622 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merriam receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merriam vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 136.1/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,622.1/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merriam experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.1 inches. The area receives 21.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2869°N, 85.4332°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Noble County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
106 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
33 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
67 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
484 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 147 fatalities, 1,803 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
43 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
21 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
129 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Merriam has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Merriam. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Merriam
What is the population of Merriam?
Merriam has a population of 309 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 312 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.6% female and 65.4% male.
Is Merriam expensive to live in?
Merriam is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $44,444, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,800 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merriam safe?
Merriam is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,622 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Merriam receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merriam?
Merriam has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Merriam?
The job market in Merriam faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 983 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merriam?
The median home value in Merriam is $123,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,591. The homeownership rate is 77.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,487.
How are the schools in Merriam?
Schools in Merriam score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.3% of adults in Merriam hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merriam?
The obesity rate in Merriam is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,952.
What is transportation like in Merriam?
The average commute in Merriam is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merriam?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merriam is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 2.9% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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