CountyScore

Merrick County

Nebraska · NE

#60 in Nebraska
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Merrick County, Nebraska

Merrick County outpaces national norms

Merrick County's composite score of 70.0 sits 40% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating solid livability compared to the typical American county. This above-average performance reflects balanced strengths in affordability and health, though with some offsetting weaknesses.

Close to Nebraska's state average

Merrick County's score of 70.0 closely mirrors Nebraska's state average of 71.2, making it representative of a typical mid-tier Nebraska community. It performs neither exceptionally well nor poorly relative to other counties statewide.

Affordable housing and decent health outcomes

Merrick County offers reasonable housing affordability with a median home value of $168,000, median rent of $772/month, and a cost score of 80.5. Health outcomes (76.1) exceed national standards, and a median household income of $62,849 provides a solid middle-class foundation.

Environmental risk and income growth are concerns

Merrick County's environmental risk score of 57.1 is notably below other counties in this group, suggesting moderate environmental or disaster vulnerability. Income potential (24.4) and health outcomes both lag behind Nebraska's stronger-performing counties, limiting upside potential.

A solid middle option for balanced living

Merrick County suits families seeking middle-ground affordability and a stable, mainstream Nebraska experience without expecting standout advantages. It's a practical choice if you want representative community conditions without exceptional trade-offs or benefits.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.3Cost80.5SafetyComing SoonHealth76.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk57.1WaterComing Soon
🏛69.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡57.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Merrick County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Merrick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Merrick County

via TaxByCounty

Merrick keeps pace with national averages

Merrick County's effective tax rate of 1.172% sits slightly below the national average, placing it in the lower-middle range of American counties. The median property tax of $1,969 trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting Merrick's lower median home value of $168,000.

Merrick slightly below Nebraska's average rate

At 1.172%, Merrick County's effective rate falls just below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, providing modest relief for residents. The median property tax of $1,969 is nearly equal to the state median of $1,972, making Merrick fairly typical for Nebraska.

Merrick balances affordability with comparable neighbors

Merrick County's 1.172% rate sits between Nance County (1.197%) and McPherson County (1.063%), offering middle-ground tax burden in the region. The median property tax of $1,969 is lower than Madison County ($2,619) but higher than Loup County ($965).

Merrick homeowners pay near-average rates

On a $168,000 median home value, Merrick County residents pay approximately $1,969 annually in property taxes. With mortgage considerations, costs reach around $1,960; those without mortgages pay slightly more at $1,983.

Assessment appeals are accessible to all

Merrick County homeowners with assessments that seem inflated compared to recent sales should consider filing an appeal at no cost. Many property owners successfully reduce their tax bills by challenging outdated or inaccurate valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Merrick County

via CostByCounty

Merrick County rents edge above state benchmark

With a 14.7% rent-to-income ratio, Merrick County sits slightly above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, indicating modest affordability pressure on renters. The $772 monthly rent is respectable for a rural Nebraska county, paired with a $62,849 median household income that remains below the national average.

Merrick sits near the middle of Nebraska's affordability range

Merrick County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio places it just above the state average, making it a middle-tier option among Nebraska counties. Housing costs here are moderate relative to peer communities, though renters experience slightly more budget pressure than in the state's most affordable counties.

Merrick rents fall between affordable and expensive peers

Merrick County's $772 rent sits in the middle—cheaper than Madison's $851 but pricier than Logan ($725), McPherson ($653), and Loup ($650). This moderate positioning makes Merrick a reasonable option for those seeking balance between affordability and amenities in central Nebraska.

Rent and ownership split the housing-cost picture

Renters pay $772 monthly while homeowners pay $929, consuming 14.7% and manageable portions of the $62,849 median household income. Merrick's $168,000 median home value and moderate rent-to-income ratio suggest stable, predictable housing costs for both renters and buyers.

Merrick County offers balanced mid-range options

Merrick County presents a middle path for relocators—not the cheapest, but with reasonable $772 rents and $168,000 median home values. Compare Merrick's affordability numbers to Logan and Madison to find where your budget and housing preferences align best.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Merrick County

via IncomeByCounty

Merrick County trails national income level

Merrick County's median household income of $62,849 falls about $11,910 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap is typical for rural Midwestern counties competing in a national economy increasingly skewed toward metropolitan centers.

Below state average but stable

At $62,849, Merrick County's median household income sits $4,031 below Nebraska's state average of $66,880. The county ranks in the lower-middle range of Nebraska counties, holding steady in moderate economic standing.

Mid-range among county peers

Merrick County earns more than Loup ($60,156), McPherson ($61,316), and Morrill ($59,773), but trails Nance ($65,438), Madison ($64,637), and Logan ($71,650). The county occupies a middle position within this diverse regional income cluster.

Moderate housing cost burden

Merrick County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing consumes a noticeable but manageable share of household budgets. With a median home value of $168,000, families should budget carefully for homeownership while maintaining reserves for emergencies.

Balance housing and investment goals

Merrick County households should carefully plan housing purchases to prevent rent or mortgages from exceeding 30% of income. Once housing is secured, dedicate freed-up income to employer 401(k) plans and other tax-advantaged retirement vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Merrick County

via HealthByCounty

Merrick County's Life Expectancy

Merrick County residents live to an average of 77.4 years, nearly matching Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate sits in the mid-range for rural Nebraska, suggesting moderate underlying health challenges.

Merrick's Position in Nebraska

Merrick County's 77.4-year life expectancy tracks closely with Nebraska's state average, placing it in the middle tier of county longevity. Its 7.3% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 8.1%, indicating relatively good insurance penetration.

Merrick Compared to Neighbors

Merrick County's 77.4-year life expectancy exceeds several neighboring counties, including Nance (72.7) and Nemaha (75.2), though it trails Madison (78.3). Its 14.6% poor/fair health rate is moderate compared to regional peers, and its 7.3% uninsured rate is competitive.

Healthcare Infrastructure in Merrick

Merrick County supports 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, offering basic access to routine care, though this is lower than some neighbors. Mental health provider availability is similarly modest at 39 per 100,000, suggesting residents may need to travel for specialized care.

Maintain Coverage in Merrick

Merrick County's 92.7% insurance coverage rate is strong, but 7.3% of residents remain uninsured. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Nebraska insurance marketplace to explore plans and ensure continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Merrick County

via RiskByCounty

Merrick County faces above-average multi-hazard exposure

Merrick County's composite risk score of 42.94 places it in the Relatively Low category but exceeds the national average. The county confronts meaningful exposure to tornadoes, wildfires, and floods simultaneously.

Merrick County among Nebraska's riskier areas

At 42.94, Merrick County scores well above Nebraska's 25.80 state average, ranking as the second-highest-risk county profiled here. It faces notably greater hazard exposure than most of its state peers.

Merrick County riskier than most neighbors

Merrick County's 42.94 score exceeds Morrill County (27.83), Nance County (21.66), and Nemaha County (13.39), though falls short of Madison County (60.88). It represents mid-tier risk within the region.

Tornadoes and wildfires lead hazard list

Merrick County's tornado risk (51.49) and wildfire risk (50.10) dominate its hazard profile, while flood risk (37.25) also presents meaningful exposure. These three hazards account for most of the county's composite risk.

Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Merrick County residents should secure homeowners insurance covering tornadoes and wildfires, plus separate flood insurance as standard policies exclude water damage. Reinforced safe rooms and emergency plans are wise investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.