Median Income
$38,125
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,400
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Merriman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population90
Median Age59.7 yrs
Density87/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans74.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$38,125
Per Capita$25,721
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$485M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,400
Ownership90.2%
Zillow$163,194
Housing Units76
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property821/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking16.3%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation3,262 ft (994 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.66
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute22 min
Broadband51.0%
Libraries2
Is Merriman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merriman receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Merriman offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merriman is $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. 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%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merriman is $36,400, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Merriman is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 821 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Merriman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Merriman has a population of 90 with a density of 87 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 59.7 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 74.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.7yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Merriman is $38,125, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,721 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $795, 44% 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 294 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,125 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,721 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $795 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,223 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 294 |
| County GDP | $485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,133 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 29.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Merriman is $36,400, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,194, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 76 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,133 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $36,400 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,194 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.8% |
| Housing Units | 76 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,133 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.86% |
In Merriman, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,364. The dentist ratio is 1:546. 66.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merriman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,364 |
| Dentists | 1:546 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,831 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,393/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Merriman has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 821 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. Overall, Merriman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merriman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 249.8/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 820.8/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merriman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 302 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 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 3,262 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,262 ft (994 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 87/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9230°N, 101.6997°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
90 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Jan 1, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
20 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
78 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
82 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
22 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
85 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
23 km WSW of Hay Springs, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
225 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 74 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2016 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 23, 1982 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELLNITZ (77,277 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELLNITZ |
77,277 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
61 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
STAMPEDE |
22,848 |
80 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
63 km |
| 1985 |
4TH OFJULY |
18,177 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
24 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
DECKER |
10,883 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
PEPPER CREEK |
8,915 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
WANNA |
7,699 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
COTTONWOOD |
6,696 |
69 km |
| 1985 |
CALICO |
6,475 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
TURKEY DAY |
5,998 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Merriman has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Merriman. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merriman
What is the population of Merriman?
Merriman has a population of 90 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 87 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Merriman expensive to live in?
Merriman is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,400 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merriman safe?
Merriman is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 821 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Merriman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merriman?
Merriman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Merriman?
The job market in Merriman is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $795. There are 294 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merriman?
The median home value in Merriman is $36,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,194. The homeownership rate is 90.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,133.
How are the schools in Merriman?
Schools in Merriman score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Merriman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merriman?
The obesity rate in Merriman is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 66.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,364.
What is transportation like in Merriman?
The average commute in Merriman is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 29.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merriman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merriman is 95.6% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 74.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
