Is Merriam Safe, Pros and cons of living in Merriam

Is it Safe to Live in Merriam?

Merriam, Kansas, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The city’s violent crime rate is reported to be slightly higher than the average for U.S. cities, with a rate of 3.238 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by Crime Grade). Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, with eastern areas posing a higher risk than southwestern neighborhoods (as reported by Crime Grade).

While violent crime is a concern, property crime also contributes to Merriam’s overall crime rate. Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, occur at a rate of 52 per 1,000 population. Notably, Merriam has a high rate of motor vehicle theft compared to other communities nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The overall crime rate in Merriam is considered high when compared to communities of all sizes across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

Merriam offers a range of housing options, with a median home value that is slightly above the national average. As of March 2026, the median home value in Merriam was approximately $326,709, showing a 4.6% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Other reports indicate a median home value of $236,756, which is less expensive than the U.S. median (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The homeownership rate in Merriam is approximately 60.7% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Merriam are generally considered more affordable than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Merriam was $2,235 (as reported by Zillow). Another source indicates the average rent in Merriam is $1,384 per month, which is 16% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,345, while two-bedroom apartments average about $1,479 (as reported by Apartments.com).

Cost of Living and Economic Landscape

The overall cost of living in Merriam is comparable to the national average, with some expenses being slightly lower. Merriam’s cost of living index is 98, indicating it is 2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Everyday expenses such as food, household goods, and utilities are generally in line with national averages. Housing costs in Merriam are slightly higher than the national average, but this is offset by other factors.

The median household income in Merriam is approximately $73,600, with a poverty rate of 5.98% (as reported by Population US). This median household income is higher than the national average, contributing to the city’s affordability. Merriam is home to over 500 businesses, employing more than 11,000 people across various sectors (as reported by the City of Merriam). Major industries include automotive sales and repair, home furnishings, and medical services.

Job Market and Major Employers

Merriam’s job market is diverse, with a variety of industries contributing to employment opportunities. The city employs over 11,000 people, with major industries encompassing automotive dealerships, auto maintenance and repair, home furnishings, and the medical sector (as reported by the City of Merriam). Major employers in the area include Seaboard Corporation, which has its headquarters in Merriam (as reported by Wikipedia). Other significant employers are found within the retail trade, healthcare, and professional services sectors.

The average salary in Merriam varies by source and role. One report indicates the average annual salary in Merriam is $69,639, with typical ranges from $61,114 to $79,255 (as reported by Salary.com). Another source states the average salary for jobs in Merriam is $66,351 per year (as reported by SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Kansas, as of recent annual averages, has generally been around 3.6% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Weather

Merriam experiences distinct seasons with considerable temperature variations throughout the year. Summers are typically hot, humid, and wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by Weatherspark). The average daily high temperature during the summer months, from May 31 to September 16, exceeds 79°F, with July being the hottest month, reaching an average high of 89°F and a low of 71°F (as reported by Weatherspark).

Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 24°F and highs of 40°F (as reported by Weatherspark). Annual precipitation in Merriam totals around 1105 mm (44 inches), with May being the wettest month and January the driest (as reported by Best Time to Visit). Summers can feel uncomfortably humid, particularly from July to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Merriam is served by the Shawnee Mission School District, which generally receives positive ratings. Merriam Park Elementary School, for instance, has an overall Niche grade of B+ and is rated as above average (as reported by Niche). This school serves students in grades PK-6 and has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, approximately 40% of students are proficient in math and 44% in reading at Merriam Park Elementary (as reported by Niche).

Other public schools serving Merriam also receive favorable ratings. Wolf Springs Elementary School and Académie Lafayette – Armour are noted with an ‘A’ grade on Niche. Summit Trail Middle School also holds a 5 out of 5 rating on Niche. These ratings reflect a commitment to providing quality education within the community.

Demographics and Population

Merriam is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, with a population of approximately 11,098 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The population is projected to grow slightly, with estimates around 11,782 for 2026 (as reported by Population US). The city has a median age of around 38.2 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial composition of Merriam is predominantly White, making up about 76% of the population, with Hispanic or Latino individuals comprising about 11% (as reported by Census Reporter). Other racial groups, including Black or African American residents, constitute smaller percentages of the population. The majority of Merriam residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 98.5% (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is around 7.23%, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Merriam

Merriam offers a blend of affordability and suburban convenience, making it an attractive place to live for many. The cost of living is generally in line with the national average, with housing and utility costs being particularly competitive (as reported by AreaVibes). The city also boasts a solid job market with diverse employment opportunities across various industries (as reported by the City of Merriam). Furthermore, the public schools in Merriam are highly rated, providing a strong educational foundation for families (as reported by Niche).

However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. The crime rate in Merriam, particularly violent crime, is slightly higher than the national average, which may be a concern for some (as reported by Crime Grade). While summers are generally pleasant, they can also be quite hot and humid (as reported by Weatherspark). Additionally, some sources indicate that the overall quality of schools in Merriam, KS, as a whole, may not consistently meet expectations, with an average SchoolGrade of D+ (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).