Merrick County

Merrick County, Nebraska has a population of approximately 7,700 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (around 95%), with minorities including Hispanic or Latino (3.5%), Black or African American (0.4%), Native American (0.2%), and others. The median age is about 42 years. Households average 2.4 individuals, and the median household income is around $54,000. The poverty rate stands at approximately 10%.

As of the most recent data, Merrick County, NE has a median home value of approximately $125,000. About 70% of homes are owner-occupied while 30% are rented. The median monthly rent is around $650. The county features a mix of single-family homes, farms, and small apartment complexes. Housing prices have seen a modest increase of around 3% annually. Property taxes in Merrick County are relatively low, averaging about 1.5% of the home's assessed value. The housing market is stable, with a balanced supply and demand ratio.

As of the 2022 elections, Merrick County, NE, reported the following:

• Voter turnout: Approximately 4,200 out of around 5,900 registered voters.
• Key positions contested: County Commissioner, Sheriff, County Clerk, and school board members.

Notable candidates:

• County Commissioner:
  • District 1: Bill Drake (Incumbent) vs. D. Jordan Webb
• Sheriff:
  • Johnny Smith (Incumbent) vs. Betty Thompson
• County Clerk:
  • Jane Anderson (Incumbent) ran unopposed.

Other local positions included township boards, and precincts had various candidates mainly from the Republican party due to the conservative-dominated demographic. Most races were either uncontested or had candidates from the same party. For school boards, non-partisan candidates were preferred, ensuring community representation over political affiliation.

For the most current details including candidate information, refer to the Merrick County official website or local government resources.

As of the latest available data, Merrick County, NE, shows the following education statistics:

• High school graduation rate: Approximately 90.8%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: About 18.5%

In comparison, the national averages are:

• High school graduation rate: 88.6%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 33.1%

Nebraska state averages are:

• High school graduation rate: Around 91.5%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Approximately 31.3%

Merrick County is on par or slightly above the national average for high school graduation rates but falls significantly below both state and national averages for bachelor's degree attainment.

As of the most recent data, Merrick County, Nebraska, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 66.2%. The county's unemployment rate stands at around 2.5%, lower than the national average of about 3.7% and the Nebraska state average of roughly 2.9%.

Top industries in Merrick County include agriculture, manufacturing, education, health services, and retail trade. Agriculture, in particular, dominates the local economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Manufacturing also plays a sizable role, contributing to about 17% of local employment, which is higher than the national average of around 8.5%.

Education and health services employ around 22% of Merrick County's workforce, slightly above the national average of 20%. Retail trade accounts for about 11% of employment, comparable to the national figure of approximately 10%. Overall, the county's employment landscape strongly reflects its agricultural roots while also maintaining a significant presence in manufacturing and services.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Merrick County, Nebraska, is approximately $60,000. In comparison, the average household income for the state of Nebraska is approximately $64,000, while the national average is around $68,700.

Statistics Table

This places Merrick County slightly below both the state and national averages. It's important to note that income levels can be influenced by various factors, including employment opportunities and cost of living in the region.

As of the latest data, Merrick County, Nebraska, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate stands at approximately 12.7 per 1,000 residents annually. Property crime, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, is more prevalent than violent crime. Here are some detailed statistics:

These figures represent relatively low crime rates, but it’s always prudent for residents to remain vigilant and proactive in community safety measures.