countyscore
64.9
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.

Score breakdown

Tax26.9Cost54Safety85.6Health76.9Schools85.9Income47.7Risk57.1Water86Weather42.7
🏛26.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Nance County
Nebraska
63.3
Polk County
Nebraska
68.3
Hamilton County
Nebraska
62.4
Platte County
Nebraska
44
York County
Nebraska
55
Howard County
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Boone County
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Hall County
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35.5

Deep Dives

Merrick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Merrick County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong School Foundation in Merrick

Merrick County features seven public schools across two districts, serving a total of 1,237 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, a middle school, and two high schools.

Excellent Graduation Rates in Merrick

The county boasts an impressive 95.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $9,426 is below the state average, these graduation results show high efficiency.

Central City Public Schools Focus

Central City Public Schools is the largest provider, educating 767 students across three schools. No charter schools exist in the county, leaving education entirely to traditional public districts.

Town Staples and Rural Roots

The landscape is split between town and rural locales, with schools averaging 177 students each. Central City Elementary is the largest school with 307 students, providing a more populated environment than smaller rural campuses.

Home Search Near Quality Schools

With graduation rates among the highest in the region, Merrick County is a premier choice for education-focused homebuyers. Quality schools in Central City make it a popular starting point for family home searches.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 64.9 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 $1,969, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Merrick County a tax score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Merrick County?
The median household income in Merrick County, Nebraska is $62,849 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Merrick County earns an income score of 47.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Merrick County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Merrick County scores 64.9/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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