Cost of Living in Merrick County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Merrick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Merrick County ranks #271 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Merrick County, Nebraska
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Merrick County
Affordability Verdict
Merrick County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $772/month representing approximately 14.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Merrick County is $772/month, while owner costs run $929/month. Renting saves approximately $157/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,814/year. With a median household income of $62,849, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Merrick County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Merrick County is less affordable than Deuel County by roughly 7% ($772/mo vs $827/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Merrick County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,466
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Merrick County
Median home value is $168,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,341 vs. your max of $1,466.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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