Special Interest
Housing in Merrick County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Merrick County averages $750/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Nebraska median of $1,072 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 17% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Merrick County FMR Area are $689 for a studio, $732 for 1‑bedroom, $961 for 2‑bedroom, $1,323 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,612 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $211 increase for a 2-bedroom in Merrick County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Merrick County was 2.3% in 2024, compared to Nebraska at 2.8% and the national rate of 4.0%.
