Median Income
$50,469
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$172,900
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$789
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Merrill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population985
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density2,052/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,469
Per Capita$22,036
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$3,627M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,900
Rent$789
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$234,049
Health
Obesity38.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F
AQI32 (Good)
Rain11.1 in/yr
Elevation4,070 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+80.7%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Libraries12
Is Merrill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merrill receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. 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 $50,469, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merrill is $172,900, 39% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $789 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Merrill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Merrill has a population of 985 with a density of 2,052 people per square mile. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (73%), with 4.6% Hispanic, 2.3% Black.
Population
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 56.0% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Spanish | 44.0% |
| 228% above US avg |
The median household income in Merrill is $50,469, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,469 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,036 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,413 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,382 |
| County GDP | $3,627M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 195 |
| Healthcare | 175 |
| Retail | 217 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,619 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Merrill is $172,900, 39% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $789 (32% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,049.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,900 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $234,049 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $172 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $789 |
| 32% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,051 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,143 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,425 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,963 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,318 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,619 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Merrill, 38.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.8% report depression. 27.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Merrill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,782/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 175 |
Crime Rates: Merrill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
Merrill has an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation is 11.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 11.1 inches |
| 71% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,070 ft (1,241 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,052/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0260°N, 121.6009°W |
| County FIPS | 41035 |