Merna, NE
Population 380 · Nebraska
About Merna, NE
Merna is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 380 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,500 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merna features a median home value of $107,500, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Merna one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,083, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 166 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (111 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (29 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merna shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merna have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Merna 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 3.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merna Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Merna, NE
Compared to national averages, Merna has a median household income of $73,500 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $107,500, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,083 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Merna's income is 12% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 15% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Merna, NE?
Merna offers affordable housing with a median home value of $107,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,083/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,500) that falls below the national average. However, Merna’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merna has a population of 380 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Merna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Other Cities in Nebraska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Merna
What is the population of Merna, NE?
The population of Merna, NE is 380 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Merna?
The median household income in Merna, NE is $73,500 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merna?
The median home value in Merna, NE is $107,500, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merna?
The median monthly rent in Merna, NE is $1,083, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merna?
The unemployment rate in Merna, NE is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merna, NE a good place to live?
Merna offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 380 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Merna, NE?
20.1% of residents in Merna 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 Merna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merna, NE: median home value is $107,500 (56% below national), median rent is $1,083/month, and median household income is $73,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merna?
The poverty rate in Merna, NE is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merna, NE?
Merna's population is 3.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.