Iowa
Merrill is a small town in Iowa with a population of 885. Residents earn $79,250 per year, which is 5% above the national average.
Based on current data, Merrill receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Merrill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Merrill is $79,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Merrill is $157,200, 44% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Merrill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.0 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 94.9% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 5.1% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $79,250 |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,592 |
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 878 |
| County GDP | $1,997M |
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 52 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,722 |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
| Census Median | $157,200 |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,670 |
| Census Median Rent | $581 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,722 |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,447/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 30.0 inches |
| 21% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 30.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,190 ft (363 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,702/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7205°N, 96.2519°W |
| County FIPS | 19149 |
Winner: Republican by 54.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 11.9% |
| 65% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,702/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.5 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Retail Stores | 88 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 19.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |