Total population

7,051

0.8 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$70,000/yr

Private dwellings

3,149

Merritt population

How many people live in Merritt

Merritt is home to 7,051 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population

7,051

0.8% year-over-year change

Population density

270.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.5%

3,420

Female

51.5%

3,635

	Value	Percent
Male	3,420	48.5%
Female	3,635	51.5%

A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Merritt is 46.3. Children under 15 make up 15.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.5% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 11.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 27.8%.

Average age

46.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.3%
15 to 24: 9.2%
25 to 34: 10.5%
35 to 44: 10.6%
45 to 54: 11.5%
55 to 64: 15.1%
Over 65: 27.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,075	15.3%
15 to 24	650	9.2%
25 to 34	740	10.5%
35 to 44	745	10.6%
45 to 54	810	11.5%
55 to 64	1,065	15.1%
Over 65	1,960	27.8%

Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Merritt, 89.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 89.7%
Immigrants: 9.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	6,050	89.7%
Immigrants	650	9.6%
Non-permanent residents	40	0.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 9.3%
Non-minorities: 90.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	625	9.3%
Non-minorities	6,120	90.7%

Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.

Languages used in Merritt

English: 98.5%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	6,815	98.5%
French	60	0.9%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	40	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.5% of people in Merritt speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.6% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Merritt

A peek inside Merritt households

Merritt has 2,975 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.8% of all homes, while 38.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

2,975

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 30.8%
2 persons: 38.8%
3 persons: 13.3%
4 persons: 10.6%
5 or more persons: 6.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	915	30.8%
2 persons	1,155	38.8%
3 persons	395	13.3%
4 persons	315	10.6%
5 or more persons	195	6.6%

Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Merritt

The housing landscape of Merritt

Merritt has a total of 3,149 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Merritt offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 29% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

3,149

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 65%
Attached homes: 25.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 9.4%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,935	65%
Attached homes	760	25.6%
Movable homes	280	9.4%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 64%
4 or more bedrooms: 29%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	220	7%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,885	64%
4 or more bedrooms	860	29%

Homes built since 2011

195

The age of buildings in Merritt

About 7.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.5% went up in the 1960s, 23.2% in the 1970s, and 12.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15% of homes were added, and 6.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	225	7.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	305	10.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	550	18.5%
Between 1971 and 1980	690	23.2%
Between 1981 and 1990	360	12.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	445	15%
Between 2001 and 2010	205	6.9%
After 2011	195	6.6%

As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Merritt occupancy rates

In Merritt, there are 2,975 occupied private dwellings, of which 73.2% are owner-occupied and 26.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 174 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

2,975

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 26.8%
Owned households: 73.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	800	26.8%
Owned households	2,180	73.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

174

Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Merritt, homeowners pay a median of $900 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $990. About 82.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$900

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$990

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.5%
≥30% on shelter: 17.5%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	2,450	82.5%
≥30% on shelter	520	17.5%

Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Merritt

Merritt education at a glance

In Merritt, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.7% have completed high school and 10.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 13.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,255	22.1%
High school diploma	1,800	31.7%
Apprenticeship diploma	575	10.1%
College diploma	1,100	19.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	205	3.6%
University degree	750	13.2%

Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Merritt

How much people earn in Merritt

In Merritt, the median household income sits at $70,000, while the median after-tax household income is $64,000.

Median household income

$70,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$64,000/year

Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Merritt income by age

Young adults in Merritt between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,800, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $53,200, followed by $39,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	16,800
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	50,000
45 - 54	53,200
55 - 64	39,200
Over 65	29,600

Employment in Merritt

Workforce and job sectors in Merritt

In Merritt, 2,915 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,915

Unemployment rate

9.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	10	0.4%
Business, finance and administration	320	11.2%
Natural and applied sciences	100	3.5%
Health	220	7.7%
Education, law, community and government services	445	15.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	75	2.6%
Sales and service	805	28.2%
Trades and transport	600	21%
Natural resources and agriculture	155	5.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	120	4.2%

Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Merritt

How people get around in Merritt

In Merritt, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 87.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 10.3% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

16 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 71.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 14.7%
30 to 44 minutes: 3.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.4%
More than 60 minutes: 6.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,690	71.2%
15 to 29 minutes	350	14.7%
30 to 44 minutes	80	3.4%
45 to 59 minutes	105	4.4%
More than 60 minutes	150	6.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,090	87.6%
By public transit	15	0.6%
By bicycle/by walking	245	10.3%
By other methods	35	1.5%

Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Merritt demographics

What is the current total population in Merritt?

Merritt has a population of 7,051, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.8% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Merritt?

Merritt has a population density of 270.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Merritt?

Merritt has the following gender distribution:

48.5% males (3,420 residents)
51.5% females (3,635 residents)

What is the age distribution of Merritt residents?

The age distribution of Merritt residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.3% (1,075 residents)
15-24: 9.2% (650 residents)
25-34: 10.5% (740 residents)
35-44: 10.6% (745 residents)
45-54: 11.5% (810 residents)
55-64: 15.1% (1,065 residents)
Over 64: 27.8% (1,960 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Merritt?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Merritt:

89.7% non-immigrants (6,050 residents)
9.6% immigrants (650 residents)
0.6% non-permanent residents (40 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Merritt?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Merritt:

English: 98.5%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Merritt?

The typical household size in Merritt is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Merritt?

The median household income in Merritt is $70,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Merritt residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Merritt is as follows:

No diploma: 22.1% (1,255 residents)
High school diploma: 31.7% (1,800 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10.1% (575 residents)
College diploma: 19.4% (1,100 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.6% (205 residents)
University degree: 13.2% (750 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Merritt?

The most common occupations in Merritt fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6%
Business, finance and administration: 11.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 15.6%
Health: 7.7%
Management: 0.4%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 3.5%
Natural resources and agriculture: 5.4%
Sales and service: 28.2%
Trades and transport: 21%

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025

Merritt, BC demographics:population, income, and more