Home Value
$229,700
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
669/100K
76% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.1%
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Merrifield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population131
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density243/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.2%
Economy
Per Capita$29,795
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,044M
Housing
Home Value$229,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$427,250
Housing Units66
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent669/100K
Property4,866/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,215 ft (370 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+26.5%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Merrifield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merrifield receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Merrifield has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merrifield is $229,700, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 669 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,866 per 100,000, 148% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Merrifield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Merrifield has a population of 131 with a density of 243 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Merrifield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Merrifield vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $29,795 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 2,376 business establishments, including 219 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Merrifield vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,795 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,335 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,376 |
| County GDP | $4,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Merrifield is $229,700, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $427,250, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 66 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $4,830 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $229,700 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $427,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 66 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Merrifield, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 24.3% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.8% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989. The dentist ratio is 1:1,213. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merrifield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:989 |
| Dentists | 1:1,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Merrifield has a violent crime rate of 669 per 100,000 residents, 76% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,866 per 100,000, 148% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merrifield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merrifield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 668.6/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,865.6/100K |
| 148% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merrifield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,215 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,215 ft (370 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 243/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4674°N, 94.1746°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.5"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0429 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
205 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 161 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
35 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
33 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
28 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
65 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
40 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Merrifield has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Merrifield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrifield
What is the population of Merrifield?
Merrifield has a population of 131 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 243 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Merrifield expensive to live in?
Merrifield has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $229,700 (19% below the U.S. median).
Is Merrifield safe?
Public safety is a concern in Merrifield, with a violent crime rate of 669 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,866 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Merrifield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merrifield?
Merrifield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Merrifield?
The job market in Merrifield is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 2,376 business establishments in the area, including 219 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Merrifield?
The median home value in Merrifield is $229,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $427,250. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,830.
How are the schools in Merrifield?
Schools in Merrifield score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.1% of adults in Merrifield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 26.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merrifield?
The obesity rate in Merrifield is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989.
What are the demographics of Merrifield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merrifield is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.2% of the population are military veterans. 5.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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