Merrill, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
798
-3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,500/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
268
-3.6% year-over-year change

Merrill population

How many people live in Merrill

Merrill is home to 798 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Merrill locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
798
-3.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
371
Female
53.5%
427
Value Percent YoY change
Male 371 46.5% -6.1%
Female 427 53.5% -0.7%
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 Merrill is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.6% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.2% of the population, while another 20.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.6%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
23.2%
45 to 64
20.9%
Over 65
17.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 204 25.6% 5.7%
15 to 24 99 12.4% 4.2%
25 to 44 185 23.2% -2.6%
45 to 64 167 20.9% -11.6%
Over 65 143 17.9% -9.5%
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 Merrill, 93.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 22.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 747 93.6% -3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 0.4% 0.0%
Non-citizens 48 6% -5.9%
Racial breakdown
White
70.7%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
22.4%
Other
6.8%
Value Percent
White 564 70.7%
Black or African American 1 0.1%
Two or more races 179 22.4%
Other 54 6.8%

Households in Merrill

A peek inside Merrill households

Merrill has 242 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74% are families, while the remaining 26% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
242
-5.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
63
Family households
179
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 63 26% -13.7%
Family households 179 74% -2.2%
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 Merrill

The housing landscape of Merrill

Merrill's housing consists of 268 units, with 92.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
268
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 248 92.5%
2 units 4 1.5%
3 or 4 units 7 2.6%
5 to 9 units 4 1.5%
10 to 19 units 3 1.1%
Mobile home 2 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merrill

In Merrill, the median construction year is 1952. About 32.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 88 32.8% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33 12.3% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 67 25% -15.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17 6.3% 54.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 36 13.4% -25.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5 1.9% -16.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 5.2% 180.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5 1.9% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 1.1% 50.0%
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.

Merrill occupancy rates

Out of the 242 occupied housing units in Merrill, 78.5% are owner-occupied, while 21.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
242
-5.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
52
Owner occupied
190
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 52 21.5% -11.9%
Owner occupied 190 78.5% -3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.7%
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.

Merrill housing costs

Housing costs in Merrill come to a median of $774 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $719.

Median housing costs per month
$774/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 Merrill
$719/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 Merrill

Merrill education at a glance

About 55.2% of the population in Merrill went to high school, while 30.4% pursued college studies. Another 3.1% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 305 55.2% -8.7%
College diploma 168 30.4% 12.8%
Associate degree 17 3.1% -32.0%
Bachelor's degree 43 7.8% -14.0%
Graduate degree 19 3.4% -26.9%
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 Merrill

How much people earn in Merrill

The average annual household income in Merrill was $59,850 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,500, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Merrill
$59,850/year
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Merrill
$47,500/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Merrill income by age

In Merrill, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $77,813, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,500 in earnings. Overall, 66.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $77,813 N/A
25 - 44 $61,333 -32.2%
45 - 64 $51,250 10.1%
Over 65 $32,500 20.9%
Above poverty level
524
Below poverty level
267
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 524 66.2% -11.9%
Below poverty level 267 33.8% 16.1%

Average renter income in Merrill

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Merrill, their median household income was $24,821 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,821
Rent-to-income ratio
34.8%
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 Merrill

Workforce and job types in Merrill

The job market in Merrill is powered by 243 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
243
-5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
158
Blue collar
85
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 158 65% 1.3%
Blue collar 85 35% -15.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 17 7% 240.0%
Private companies 174 71.6% -6.5%
Governmental workers 36 14.8% -10.0%
Not for profit companies 16 6.6% -38.5%
Unemployment rate
27.7%
10.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Merrill stands at 27.7%, 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 Merrill

How people get around in Merrill

In Merrill, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
4.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 224 92.6% -5.1%
Walk 7 2.9% -12.5%
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 Merrill by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48637 3,024 1,257 $65,865 $78,479

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FAQs about Merrill demographics 

What is the total population of Merrill?

Merrill has a total population of 798 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 -3.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Merrill?

The gender ratio in Merrill is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (371 residents)
  • 53.5% females (427 residents)

What is the median age in Merrill?

The median age in Merrill is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merrill?

The age distribution in Merrill is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.6% (204 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (99 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.2% (185 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.9% (167 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.9% (143 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merrill?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merrill is as follows:
  • White: 70.7% (564 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 22.4% (179 residents)
  • Other: 6.8% (54 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.6% of the population in Merrill.

How many housing units are there in Merrill?

There are 268 housing units in Merrill, reflecting a -3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Merrill has a total of 242 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Merrill?

Merrill has a median household income of $47,500, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 72.3% in Merrill, with a workforce of 243 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65% (158 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35% (85 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (17 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (174 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (36 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (16 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