countyscore
64.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 85.9Safety 85.6

County Report Card

About Merrick County, Nebraska

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Merrick County’s composite score of 64.9 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This indicates a lifestyle that is more favorable than that of the average American county.

A Strong Nebraska Mid-Performer

Merrick outperforms the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by a healthy margin. It represents a solid middle-to-high tier option for residents in the state.

Strong Schools and Safe Streets

The county excels in education and safety, with scores of 85.9 and 85.6 respectively. Residents also enjoy high water quality, which scores an 86.0.

High Taxes and Moderate Wages

Taxation is the most significant drawback, as the Tax Score of 26.9 reflects an effective rate of 1.172%. The Income Score of 47.7 also suggests moderate local wage growth.

A Top Choice for Families

This county is a great fit for families who prioritize quality schools and public safety. It offers a balanced, reliable environment with a strong emphasis on community infrastructure.

2040608010019.25585.676.985.958.257.18642.7Tax19.2Cost55Safety85.6Health76.9Schools85.9Income58.2Risk57.1Water86Weather42.764.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Merrick County DNA

D+overall

How Merrick County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Merrick County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (85.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (19.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.2-32.8
Cost
55
Safety
85.6+30.599999999999994
Health
76.9+26.900000000000006
Schools
85.9+31.900000000000006
Income
58.2
Risk
57.1+10.100000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
42.7-13.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$175,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$750/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$175,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,354/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Nance County
Nebraska
63.5
Polk County
Nebraska
66.5
Hamilton County
Nebraska
62.8
Platte County
Nebraska
43.2
York County
Nebraska
55.1
Howard County
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66.4
Boone County
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67.8
Hall County
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34.7

Deep Dives

Merrick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Merrick County

via CrimeByCounty

Merrick County Remains Very Safe Nationally

Merrick County scores a high 99.5 on the safety index, recording a crime rate of 325.7 per 100,000. This rate is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a highly secure community.

Merrick Beats Nebraska's Average Safety Score

Merrick County's safety score of 99.5 exceeds the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 325.7 is also roughly half the state average of 626.7 per 100,000.

Reliable Safety Across the Region

Merrick County outperforms many regional neighbors, keeping its crime levels well below the Nebraska state average. Local data from three reporting agencies confirms a consistently safe environment.

Property Theft Stays Well Below National Levels

Violent crime is low at 52.1 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 273.6. Both figures are significantly better than national averages, where property crime typically exceeds 2,000 incidents.

Basic Precautions Preserve Local Safety

To maintain these low numbers, Merrick County residents should continue using home security basics. Simple improvements like deadbolts and well-lit driveways help keep property crime rates minimal.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Merrick County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Warmth in Merrick

Merrick County averages 50.3°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median for mid-latitude continental climates. This area enjoys a moderate balance of heat and moisture compared to the wider U.S.

Above the Nebraska Baseline

Merrick is warmer than the Nebraska average, exceeding the state’s 49.7°F mark. It also receives 28.5 inches of precipitation, which is 2.6 inches more than the state average.

Wetter Than Central Neighbors

Merrick is wetter than its western neighbor Nance, though they share similar summer averages around 72.5°F. The county experiences 33 days above 90°F, which is typical for central Nebraska.

Mild Winters and Hot Julys

July is the warmest month with a 74.4°F average, while winter remains mild compared to northern counties at 26.6°F. Snowfall totals roughly 28.6 inches per year, often arriving in moderate bursts.

Efficient HVAC is Essential

High-efficiency HVAC systems help manage the 33 extreme heat days and the cold winter months. Gardeners can take advantage of the 28.5 inches of annual rain, which is higher than the regional average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Merrick County

via SoilByCounty

Mollisol Foundations in Merrick County

Merrick County is dominated by Mollisols, the dark, fertile soils typical of the American grasslands. The average pH is 6.91, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.79. This chemistry reflects the county’s position in the Platte River valley.

Fine Sandy Loam with Steady Structure

The dominant texture is a fine sandy loam, composed of 51.0% sand, 34.3% silt, and 14.8% clay. This mix provides enough sand for drainage and enough silt and clay to maintain a consistent structure. It strikes a functional balance between ease of tillage and the ability to hold vital minerals.

Superior Moisture Retention for Farming

The available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, which is slightly better than the Nebraska average of 0.172. Organic matter is 2.10%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but remaining below the state average of 3.32%. These traits make the soil a reliable reservoir for water during the Nebraska summer.

Managing Poor Drainage and High Water Tables

Classified as poorly drained with a B/D hydrologic group, this soil often stays wet due to a high water table. This requires careful management for farming and can present significant challenges for building basements or septic systems. Strategic tiling or raised beds are often necessary to prevent root rot in gardens.

Success in Zone 5b's Rich Loam

Merrick County’s Zone 5b climate and fine sandy loam are perfect for moisture-loving crops and heavy feeders like pumpkins. Because the soil can stay wet, it is an excellent home for native wet-meadow species and diverse garden vegetables. Dig in and take advantage of the high water capacity for a lush, productive season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Merrick County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting State Benchmarks in Merrick

Merrick County's score of 54.6 puts it right in line with the state average for lawn maintenance difficulty. This zone 5b area offers a familiar Midwestern environment for traditional turfgrass and standard care routines.

High Rainfall for the Region

An annual precipitation of 28.5 inches is better than most Nebraska counties but still below the national 30-inch ideal. With 33 extreme heat days, lawns will likely go dormant in July without extra irrigation.

Managing Poorly Drained Loam

The fine sandy loam texture here is poorly drained, which can lead to root rot if you overwater. However, the pH of 6.91 is nearly perfect, allowing most grasses to access soil nutrients without extra amendments.

Conserving Water in Merrick

Despite 34 weeks in drought over the last year, the county currently lacks severe drought areas. Smart irrigation and mulch-mowing can help retain moisture across the 100% abnormally dry landscape.

Optimal Planting Windows

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are sturdy options for this climate. Seeding should occur after the last frost on April 28th to maximize the growing season before the autumn freeze on October 10th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merrick County's county score?
Merrick County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 64.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Merrick County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Merrick County ranks #35 among all counties in Nebraska on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Merrick County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Merrick County is $2,280, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Merrick County a tax score of 19.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Merrick County?
The median household income in Merrick County, Nebraska is $68,354 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Merrick County earns an income score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Merrick County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Merrick County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Merrick County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Merrick County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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