Merriam, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,085
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,600/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,537
3.1% year-over-year change

Merriam population

How many people live in Merriam

Merriam is home to 11,085 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Merriam locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
11,085
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
5,630
Female
49.2%
5,455
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,630 50.8% -0.3%
Female 5,455 49.2% 1.2%
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 Merriam is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.6% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
29.6%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,600 14.4% -0.6%
15 to 24 1,344 12.1% 6.5%
25 to 44 3,283 29.6% -5.8%
45 to 64 2,788 25.2% 2.1%
Over 65 2,070 18.7% 6.3%
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 Merriam, 91.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,145 91.5% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 769 6.9% 7.1%
Non-citizens 171 1.5% -15.3%
Racial breakdown
White
79%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 8,760 79%
Black or African American 822 7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 140 1.3%
Asian 183 1.6%
Two or more races 939 8.5%
Other 241 2.2%

Households in Merriam

A peek inside Merriam households

Merriam has 5,324 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.9% are families, while the remaining 51.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,324
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,722
Family households
2,602
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,722 51.1% 2.5%
Family households 2,602 48.9% 3.0%
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 Merriam

The housing landscape of Merriam

Merriam's housing consists of 5,537 units, with 59.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,537
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,301 59.6%
1 unit, attached 401 7.2%
2 units 44 0.8%
3 or 4 units 250 4.5%
5 to 9 units 599 10.8%
10 to 19 units 603 10.9%
20 to 49 units 103 1.9%
50 or more units 219 4%
Mobile home 9 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
63
23.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merriam

In Merriam, the median construction year is 1970. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 385 7% 11.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 323 5.8% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 672 12.1% -10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,379 24.9% 5.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,038 18.8% 5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 891 16.1% 6.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 360 6.5% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 286 5.2% 13.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 140 2.5% 1.4%
Built in 2020 or later 63 1.1% 23.5%
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.

Merriam occupancy rates

Out of the 5,324 occupied housing units in Merriam, 60.7% are owner-occupied, while 39.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,324
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,090
Owner occupied
3,234
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,090 39.3% 5.7%
Owner occupied 3,234 60.7% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Merriam housing costs

Housing costs in Merriam come to a median of $1,214 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,181.

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 Merriam
$1,181/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 Merriam

Merriam education at a glance

About 25.7% of the population in Merriam went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 28.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 104 1.1% 28.4%
High school diploma 2,342 25.7% -0.3%
College diploma 1,986 21.8% -8.3%
Associate degree 885 9.7% -6.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,638 28.9% 14.2%
Graduate degree 1,159 12.7% 0.0%
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 Merriam

How much people earn in Merriam

The average annual household income in Merriam was $91,985 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,600, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Merriam
$91,985/year
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Merriam
$73,600/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Merriam income by age

In Merriam, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,900. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,453 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,778, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,614 in earnings. Overall, 94% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,778 -24.4%
25 - 44 $88,900 6.0%
45 - 64 $66,453 -0.6%
Over 65 $62,614 -3.9%
Above poverty level
10,227
Below poverty level
655
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,227 94% 3.0%
Below poverty level 655 6% -27.0%

Average renter income in Merriam

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Merriam, their median household income was $50,110 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,110
Rent-to-income ratio
28.3%
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 Merriam

Workforce and job types in Merriam

The job market in Merriam is powered by 6,179 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 77.4% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,179
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
4,975
Blue collar
1,204
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,975 80.5% 2.9%
Blue collar 1,204 19.5% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
77.4%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 393 6.4% -1.0%
Private companies 4,785 77.4% -0.7%
Governmental workers 514 8.3% 26.3%
Not for profit companies 487 7.9% 15.9%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
-1.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Merriam stands at 5.4%, 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 Merriam

How people get around in Merriam

Commuting methods vary: 77.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% 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 4,686 77.1% -2.0%
Taxicab 12 0.2% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 28 0.5% 1,300.0%
Bicycle 13 0.2% 18.2%
Walk 131 2.2% 89.9%
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 Merriam by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66202 17,408 9,107 $75,129 $97,785
66203 19,441 8,538 $75,869 $90,353
66204 17,948 8,711 $75,889 $89,352

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FAQs about Merriam demographics 

What is the total population of Merriam?

Merriam has a total population of 11,085 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 Merriam?

The gender ratio in Merriam is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (5,630 residents)
  • 49.2% females (5,455 residents)

What is the median age in Merriam?

The median age in Merriam is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merriam?

The age distribution in Merriam is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (1,600 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (1,344 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.6% (3,283 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (2,788 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (2,070 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merriam?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merriam is as follows:
  • White: 79% (8,760 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (822 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (140 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (183 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (939 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (241 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.5% of the population in Merriam.

How many housing units are there in Merriam?

There are 5,537 housing units in Merriam, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Merriam has a total of 5,324 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Merriam?

Merriam has a median household income of $73,600, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Merriam, with a workforce of 6,179 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.5% (4,975 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.5% (1,204 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (393 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.4% (4,785 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (514 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (487 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