Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merino, CO
Thinking about moving to Merino, CO? This small, friendly town of 281 offers affordable living with a median home price around $172,000 and typical rent of $800. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (110 per 100K), short average commutes of 22 minutes, and 68% sunny days each year. The local schools are well-regarded, and you'll find a strong sense of community, rural charm, and easy access to healthcare in nearby Sterling. Merino is ideal for those seeking a quiet, affordable lifestyle with Colorado’s sunny weather.
Demographics - Merino, CO
Demographics - Merino, CO
Merino is a small, close-knit Colorado town with a population of 281 and a median age of 34, where most residents identify as White and about 10% speak a language other than English at home. The town’s balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a welcoming, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
281
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merino, CO?
Living in Merino is affordable, with a median home value of $172,000 and average rent around $800, well below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 89.5, meaning residents enjoy lower housing, utilities, and grocery costs compared to many parts of Colorado.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
68.4
Utilities:
92.3
Transportation:
91.6
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Merino, CO a safe place to live?
Merino boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, making it a safe option for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively low, offering peace of mind for those seeking a secure, small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
790
Crime Index:
900
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 127
Weather
What is the weather like in Merino, CO year-round?
Residents experience a classic Colorado climate, with warm summers reaching 92°F, brisk winters dipping to 14°F, and 68% of days filled with sunshine. Average annual rainfall is moderate at 17.8 inches, making for pleasant year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Households in Merino typically earn a median income of $56,400, with a modest poverty rate of 13.2% and an unemployment rate under 4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a manageable 22 minutes, reflecting the town's rural charm and accessibility.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.4%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Merino, CO?
Education in Merino is anchored by local elementary and junior-senior high schools with low student-teacher ratios, fostering a supportive learning environment. For higher education, Northeastern Junior College is conveniently located 14 miles away in Sterling, giving residents access to expanded academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Merino Elementary School
Street:
315 Lee St
Phone:
970-522-7424
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Merino Junior-Senior High School
Street:
315 Lee St
Phone:
970-522-7424
Students:
100
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Northeastern Junior College
City:
Sterling
State:
CO
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Merino, with 91.8% of residents insured and major services provided by Sterling Regional MedCenter just a short drive away. The area features 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting local health needs with general and emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sterling Regional MedCenter
Address:
615 Fairhurst St, Sterling, CO 80751
Phone:
(970) 522-0122
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merino, CO?
Merino’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters, featuring a median home price of $172,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $800. With 67% owner-occupancy and a healthy appreciation rate, the town offers stable housing options and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Merino residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office located nearby in Sterling. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services for the state.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
231 Main St, Sterling, CO 80751
Phone:
303-205-5600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.