Median Income
$79,250
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$157,200
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$581
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Merrill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population885
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density1,702/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$79,250
Per Capita$33,639
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$1,997M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,200
Rent$581
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$259,670
Housing Units396
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property2,291/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking14.7%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain30.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,190 ft (363 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute19 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations11
Libraries5
Is Merrill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merrill receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Merrill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Merrill is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,291 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
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. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.0 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Merrill has a population of 885 with a density of 1,702 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42% female and 58% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Merrill is $79,250, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,639 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 878 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,250 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,592 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 878 |
| County GDP | $1,997M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 52 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,722 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in Merrill is $157,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,670, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $581 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 396 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,722 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,670 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $581 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 396 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,722 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Merrill, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,832. The dentist ratio is 1:1,975. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merrill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,832 |
| Dentists | 1:1,975 |
| Mental Health | 1:504 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
Merrill has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,291 per 100,000, 17% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merrill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merrill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 173.1/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,291.0/100K |
| 17% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merrill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 30.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,190 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,190 ft (363 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,702/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7205°N, 96.2519°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Plymouth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.0"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
94 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
625 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Merrill has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Merrill. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrill
What is the population of Merrill?
Merrill has a population of 885 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,702 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42% female and 58% male.
Is Merrill expensive to live in?
Merrill is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $79,250, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merrill safe?
Merrill is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,291 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Merrill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merrill?
Merrill has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.0 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Merrill?
The job market in Merrill is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 878 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merrill?
The median home value in Merrill is $157,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,670. For renters, the median monthly rent is $581. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,722.
How are the schools in Merrill?
Schools in Merrill score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Merrill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merrill?
The obesity rate in Merrill is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,832.
What is transportation like in Merrill?
The average commute in Merrill is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merrill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merrill is 94.8% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
