Rows tagged local are specific to Merriam (Census ACS); state rows are state averages; metro-area rows are inherited from Kansas City, MO. Home value is ACS owner-reported (not a Zillow sale price).
Notable hazards: tornadoes — separate flood/quake/windstorm policies may be needed.
Flood insurance (annual, NFIP)
$650
state
#90 of 200 metros
Earthquake insurance (annual)
$100
state
#163 of 200 metros
Climate & air quality
Metric
Value
Scope
US rank
Air quality (median AQI, lower=cleaner)
53
metro-area
#157 of 200 metros
Cooling degree-days (AC load)
1,500
metro-area
#110 of 200 metros
Heating degree-days (heat load)
4,700
metro-area
#116 of 200 metros
Avg summer high
89°F
metro-area
#113 of 200 metros
Avg winter low
22°F
metro-area
#130 of 200 metros
Annual precipitation
39.3"
metro-area
#74 of 200 metros
Annual snowfall
18.2"
metro-area
#120 of 200 metros
Sunshine (% of possible)
60%
metro-area
#85 of 200 metros
Plant hardiness zone
6b
Frost window
04-20 → 10-20
Safety
Metric
Value
Scope
US rank
Violent crime (per 100k, state avg)
410
state
#153 of 200 metros
Property crime (per 100k, state avg)
2,400
state
#157 of 200 metros
Local amenities & recreation
Metric
Value
Scope
US rank
Grocery stores
35
metro-area
#133 of 200 metros
Parks
53
Hiking areas
28
Golf courses
25
Shooting ranges
7
Lakes
12
Permits
Metric
Value
Scope
US rank
Building permit difficulty (1–5)
2
state
#1 of 200 metros
Permit detail
Generally easy
US rank = this metro's position among all 200 metros (1 = best: cheapest / safest / highest income, etc.). Childcare is a family cost, not included in the salary-equivalence total.