Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Merritt Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population75
Median Age16.0 yrs
Density1,875/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans37.0%
Economy
Per Capita$13,752
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$208M
Housing
Ownership54.5%
Zillow$98,242
Housing Units17
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property866/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Smoking17.3%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation600 ft (183 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Broadband11.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Merritt a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merritt receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Merritt offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
Merritt is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 866 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Merritt experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Merritt has a population of 75 with a density of 1,875 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 16.0 years, 59% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly Black (68%), with 32% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 37.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
16.0yrs
Median Age
59% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $13,752 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% 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 101 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $13,752 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 101 |
| County GDP | $208M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 45.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,242. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 17 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $3,350. 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.5% |
| Housing Units | 17 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
In Merritt, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. The dentist ratio is 1:4,790. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merritt vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Dentists | 1:4,790 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,555/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Merritt has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 866 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merritt receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Merritt vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 865.8/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Merritt experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 600 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 600 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,875/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7149°N, 90.4157°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 495 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Merritt has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Merritt. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Merritt
What is the population of Merritt?
Merritt has a population of 75 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,875 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 16.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Merritt expensive to live in?
Merritt has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100).
Is Merritt safe?
Merritt is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 866 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Merritt receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merritt?
Merritt has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Merritt?
The job market in Merritt is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 101 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Merritt?
Schools in Merritt score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Merritt hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merritt?
The obesity rate in Merritt is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Merritt?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merritt is 32% White, 68% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 37.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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