Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Merriam is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Kansas. The city has a population of 11,587 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Merriam is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Merriam is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Merriam will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Living in Merriam can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Kansas, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Merriam and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kansas and national averages.
Merriam, KS receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #50 in Kansas and #3,759 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Merriam could be a great choice! For each of the livability categories, we see that Merriam ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Merriam. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Merriam apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Merriam meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Merriam. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Merriam are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Merriam come in at $346,056, which is 40.3% higher than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Merriam, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 20% higher than the Kansas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Merriam | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.1% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.5% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.2% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Kansas
These are the largest cities in Kansas
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Kansas