Median Income
$102,344
36% higher than US avg
Home Value
$274,200
3% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
74/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.7%
3% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,050
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Merrimac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population575
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density701/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$102,344
Per Capita$47,043
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,577M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$274,200
Rent$1,050
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$458,189
Housing Units287
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent74/100K
Property2,840/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.5%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation811 ft (247 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.7%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute32 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Merrimac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merrimac receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Merrimac offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merrimac is $102,344, which is significantly higher than the national average / 36% above $75,149. This places Merrimac among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merrimac is $274,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Merrimac is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,840 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
32.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Merrimac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Merrimac has a population of 575 with a density of 701 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Merrimac is $102,344, which is 36% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,043 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (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 2,219 business establishments, including 261 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $102,344 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,043 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,772 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,219 |
| County GDP | $5,577M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 261 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 298 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Merrimac is $274,200, 3% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $458,189, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,050 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 287 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $5,911 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $274,200 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $458,189 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $165 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,050 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 287 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.16% |
In Merrimac, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,462. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merrimac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,462 |
| Mental Health | 1:496 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,554/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Merrimac has a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,840 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merrimac receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merrimac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 74.3/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,840.2/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merrimac experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 811 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 811 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 701/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3756°N, 89.6269°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sauk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0488 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
530 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 711 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
53 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
81 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
98 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
97 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
10 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Merrimac has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Merrimac. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrimac
What is the population of Merrimac?
Merrimac has a population of 575 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 701 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Merrimac expensive to live in?
Merrimac is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $102,344, 36% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $274,200 (3% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merrimac safe?
Merrimac is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,840 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Merrimac receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merrimac?
Merrimac has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Merrimac?
The job market in Merrimac is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 2,219 business establishments in the area, including 261 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merrimac?
The median home value in Merrimac is $274,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $458,189. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,050. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,911.
How are the schools in Merrimac?
Schools in Merrimac score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.7% of adults in Merrimac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merrimac?
The obesity rate in Merrimac is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Merrimac?
The average commute in Merrimac is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merrimac?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merrimac is 91.1% White, 3.5% Black or African American. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
