Merrick County, Nebraska

Income Data

-6% vs. Nebraska average
$62,849
Median Household Income
$34,539
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$62,849
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,539
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
37.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Nebraska
#58 / 93
by median household income

How Merrick County Compares

Merrick County$62,849
Nebraska Average$66,880
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$62,849
Median Household Income
$34,539
Per Capita Income
$168,000
Median Home Value
37.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Merrick County, Nebraska

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Merrick County, Nebraska?
The median household income in Merrick County, Nebraska is $62,849, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Merrick County?
The per capita income in Merrick County is $34,539, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $62,849.
How does Merrick County compare to the Nebraska average?
Merrick County's median household income of $62,849 is lower than the Nebraska state average of $66,880. The per capita income is $34,539, compared to the state average of $36,101.
What is the per capita income in Merrick County, Nebraska?
The per capita income in Merrick County, Nebraska is $34,539, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Merrick County a low-income area in Nebraska?
Merrick County's median household income of $62,849 is below the Nebraska average of $66,880. The per capita income of $34,539 is also lower than the state average of $36,101. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Merrick County rank for income in Nebraska?
Merrick County ranks #58 out of 93 counties in Nebraska by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $62,849 and per capita income of $34,539, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Merrick County

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Your income is above the Merrick County median

County median: $62,849 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-6%

vs. National Median

-16%

vs. Merrick County MedianAbout equal
vs. Nebraska Average6% below
vs. National Median16% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.8x

Your monthly income ($5,237) vs. median rent ($772/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.