Merino, CO
Population 286 · Colorado
About Merino, CO
Merino is a small community located in Colorado with a population of 286 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merino features a median home value of $161,300, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Merino in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,159, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 165 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (93 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (51 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merino shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merino have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.1% of Merino residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merino Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Merino, CO
Compared to national averages, Merino has a median household income of $63,125 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,300, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,159 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Merino's income is 29% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 65% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Merino, CO?
Merino offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,159/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,125) that falls below the national average. However, Merino’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merino has a population of 286 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Merino with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Colorado
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Merino
What is the population of Merino, CO?
The population of Merino, CO is 286 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Merino?
The median household income in Merino, CO is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merino?
The median home value in Merino, CO is $161,300, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merino?
The median monthly rent in Merino, CO is $1,159, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merino?
The unemployment rate in Merino, CO is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merino, CO a good place to live?
Merino offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 286 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merino, CO?
16.1% of residents in Merino aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Merino?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merino, CO: median home value is $161,300 (34% below national), median rent is $1,159/month, and median household income is $63,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merino?
The poverty rate in Merino, CO is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merino, CO?
Merino's population is 5.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.