Median Income
$71,665
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$242,400
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.5%
23% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,161
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Merriam Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,036
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density2,555/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,665
Per Capita$40,533
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$15,517M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,400
Rent$1,161
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$318,645
Health
Obesity33.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Elevation938 ft
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.5%
High School+96.4%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 37% / D 61%
Commute20 min
EV Stations9
Libraries9
Is Merriam a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merriam receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Merriam stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merriam is $71,665, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merriam is $242,400, 14% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,161 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Merriam enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 11.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Merriam has a population of 11,036 with a density of 2,555 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 (83%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 6.6% Black.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 90.5% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Spanish | 9.5% |
| 29% below US avg |
The median household income in Merriam is $71,665, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,665 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,533 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,269 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,724 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,055 |
| County GDP | $15,517M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 295 |
| Healthcare | 329 |
| Retail | 441 |
| Manufacturing | 175 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,809 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |
The median home value in Merriam is $242,400, 14% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,161 (0% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $318,645.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,400 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $318,645 |
| Median List Price | $330,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $330,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $192 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,161 |
| 0% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,809 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In Merriam, 33.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 20.0% report depression. 22.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Merriam vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,751/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 329 |
Crime Rates: Merriam vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
Safety Score
Merriam has an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 38.1 inches |
| 0% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 11.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,555/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0176°N, 94.6940°W |
| County FIPS | 20209 |