Merrick County, Nebraska

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,281 km² (495 mi²). 1,256 km² (485 mi²) of it is land and 26 km² (10 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.99% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 8,204 people, 3,209 households, and 2,307 families residing in the county. The population density is 7/km² (17/mi²). There are 3,649 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (8/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.32% White, 0.22% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. 2.05% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,209 households out of which 33.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.10% are married couples living together, 6.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% are non-families. 25.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the county the population is spread out with 27.50% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 24.70% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 17.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $34,961, and the median income for a family is $39,729. Males have a median income of $26,998 versus $19,828 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,958. 8.90% of the population and 7.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.70% are under the age of 18 and 9.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Central City
• Chapman
• Clarks
• Palmer
• Silver Creek