Merrillville, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,476
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,587/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,213
-0.3% year-over-year change

Merrillville population

How many people live in Merrillville

Merrillville is home to 36,476 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Merrillville locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
36,476
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
17,453
Female
52.2%
19,023
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,453 47.8% -1.1%
Female 19,023 52.2% 1.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Merrillville is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,452 15% -7.6%
15 to 24 5,491 15% 3.2%
25 to 44 8,489 23.3% -0.5%
45 to 64 9,504 26.1% 4.3%
Over 65 7,540 20.7% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Merrillville, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36.1% of locals are Caucasian, 46.6% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 33,938 93% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,657 4.5% 2.5%
Non-citizens 881 2.4% -16.5%
Racial breakdown
White
36.1%
Black or African American
46.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 13,168 36.1%
Black or African American 17,017 46.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 66 0.2%
Asian 384 1%
Two or more races 4,274 11.7%
Other 1,567 4.3%

Households in Merrillville

A peek inside Merrillville households

Merrillville has 15,487 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.7% are families, while the remaining 43.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,487
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,711
Family households
8,776
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,711 43.3% -2.9%
Family households 8,776 56.7% 3.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Merrillville

The housing landscape of Merrillville

Merrillville's housing consists of 16,213 units, with 60.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,213
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,849 60.8%
1 unit, attached 1,424 8.8%
2 units 174 1.1%
3 or 4 units 421 2.6%
5 to 9 units 607 3.7%
10 to 19 units 1,899 11.7%
20 to 49 units 626 3.9%
50 or more units 965 6%
Mobile home 248 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
113
22.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merrillville

In Merrillville, the median construction year is 1979. About 3.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 556 3.4% 25.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 709 4.4% -11.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,526 9.4% -19.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,191 19.7% 7.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,460 15.2% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,336 8.2% 22.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,527 15.6% -7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,770 17.1% 0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,025 6.3% 0.4%
Built in 2020 or later 113 0.7% 22.8%
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.

Merrillville occupancy rates

Out of the 15,487 occupied housing units in Merrillville, 70.5% are owner-occupied, while 29.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,487
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,570
Owner occupied
10,917
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,570 29.5% -5.8%
Owner occupied 10,917 70.5% 3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Merrillville housing costs

Housing costs in Merrillville come to a median of $1,214 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,282.

Median housing costs per month
$1,214/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Merrillville
$1,282/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Merrillville

Merrillville education at a glance

About 41.9% of the population in Merrillville went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 666 2.3% -1.0%
High school diploma 12,164 41.9% -2.4%
College diploma 6,366 21.9% 0.9%
Associate degree 2,961 10.2% 19.6%
Bachelor's degree 4,252 14.6% 2.5%
Graduate degree 2,607 9% 3.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Merrillville

How much people earn in Merrillville

The average annual household income in Merrillville was $84,476 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,587, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Merrillville
$84,476/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Merrillville
$67,587/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Merrillville income by age

In Merrillville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,391. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,582 overall. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $84,391 7.1%
45 - 64 $77,582 -7.3%
Over 65 $38,614 -5.1%
Above poverty level
31,149
Below poverty level
4,447
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 31,149 87.5% 1.4%
Below poverty level 4,447 12.5% -6.9%

Average renter income in Merrillville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Merrillville, their median household income was $33,208 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 46.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,208
Rent-to-income ratio
46.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Merrillville

Workforce and job types in Merrillville

The job market in Merrillville is powered by 17,168 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,168
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
11,844
Blue collar
5,324
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,844 69% 1.0%
Blue collar 5,324 31% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,332 7.8% -2.6%
Private companies 12,015 70% -2.4%
Governmental workers 2,460 14.3% 17.9%
Not for profit companies 1,361 7.9% 9.1%
Unemployment rate
7.5%
11.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Merrillville stands at 7.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Merrillville

How people get around in Merrillville

Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,716 87.1% 1.5%
Taxicab 61 0.4% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 169 1% 67.3%
Subway or elevated 10 0.1% N/A
Railroad 144 0.8% 14.3%
Bicycle 4 0% 0.0%
Walk 258 1.5% 3.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Merrillville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46410 39,243 16,859 $64,127 $82,033

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FAQs about Merrillville demographics 

What is the total population of Merrillville?

Merrillville has a total population of 36,476 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Merrillville?

The gender ratio in Merrillville is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (17,453 residents)
  • 52.2% females (19,023 residents)

What is the median age in Merrillville?

The median age in Merrillville is 42.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merrillville?

The age distribution in Merrillville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (5,452 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (5,491 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (8,489 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (9,504 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (7,540 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merrillville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merrillville is as follows:
  • White: 36.1% (13,168 residents)
  • Black or African American: 46.6% (17,017 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (66 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (384 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (4,274 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (1,567 residents)

What percentage of the population in Merrillville are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Merrillville.

How many housing units are there in Merrillville?

There are 16,213 housing units in Merrillville, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Merrillville and what is the average household size?

Merrillville has a total of 15,487 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Merrillville?

Merrillville has a median household income of $67,587, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Merrillville?

The employment rate is 92.5% in Merrillville, with a workforce of 17,168 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69% (11,844 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31% (5,324 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (1,332 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (12,015 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (2,460 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (1,361 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025