Merritt, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
752
-18.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
592
-5.6% year-over-year change

Merritt population

How many people live in Merritt

Merritt is home to 752 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.4% of Merritt locals are male, and 57.6% are female.

Total population
752
-18.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.4%
319
Female
57.6%
433
Value Percent YoY change
Male 319 42.4% -22.0%
Female 433 57.6% -15.8%
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 Merritt is 57, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.4% are children under 15, then 5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 37.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
56.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.4%
15 to 24
5%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
37.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 71 9.4% -56.7%
15 to 24 38 5% 72.7%
25 to 44 171 22.7% 3.0%
45 to 64 190 25.3% -39.1%
Over 65 282 37.5% 8.9%
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 Merritt, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 13.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 746 99.2% -17.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.8% -75.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 653 86.8%
Two or more races 99 13.2%

Households in Merritt

A peek inside Merritt households

Merritt has 376 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.9% are families, while the remaining 39.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
376
-9.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
147
Family households
229
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 147 39.1% 30.1%
Family households 229 60.9% -24.2%
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 Merritt

The housing landscape of Merritt

Merritt's housing consists of 592 units, with 82.8% 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 17.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
592
-5.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 490 82.8%
Mobile home 102 17.2%
Homes built since 2020
10
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merritt

In Merritt, the median construction year is 1995. About 8.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 48 8.1% 29.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 1.7% 66.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 43 7.3% -4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 47 7.9% -13.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 73 12.3% -31.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 154 26% -18.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 137 23.1% -4.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 70 11.8% 52.2%
Built in 2020 or later 10 1.7% N/A
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

Out of the 376 occupied housing units in Merritt, 77.7% are owner-occupied, while 22.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 36.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
376
-9.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
84
Owner occupied
292
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 84 22.3% -7.7%
Owner occupied 292 77.7% -9.9%
Unoccupied housing units
36.5%
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.

Merritt housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,077/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.

Education in Merritt

Merritt education at a glance

About 29.6% of the population in Merritt went to high school, while 12.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 15.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 35.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 200 29.6% 25.8%
College diploma 83 12.3% -46.8%
Associate degree 48 7.1% -22.6%
Bachelor's degree 106 15.7% -34.6%
Graduate degree 239 35.4% 10.1%
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 Merritt

How much people earn in Merritt

The average annual household income in Merritt was $75,091 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.5% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Merritt
$75,091/year
-10.5% year-over-year change

Merritt income by age

In Merritt, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,212. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $34,199 overall. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $97,212 -21.1%
45 - 64 $34,199 -0.5%
Above poverty level
666
Below poverty level
86
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 666 88.6% -25.4%
Below poverty level 86 11.4% 186.7%

Employment in Merritt

Workforce and job types in Merritt

89.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 42.5% are employed by private companies, and 39.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
225
Blue collar
27
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 225 89.3% -15.7%
Blue collar 27 10.7% -25.0%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
42.5%
Governmental workers
39.7%
Not for profit companies
6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 30 11.9% -23.1%
Private companies 107 42.5% -17.7%
Governmental workers 100 39.7% -13.0%
Not for profit companies 15 6% -21.1%

Transportation in Merritt

How people get around in Merritt

In Merritt, the average commute time is 23 minutes.

Commute time
23 min
-4.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 217 100% -15.6%
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 Merritt by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28556 752 376 $0 $75,091

Explore more communities

FAQs about Merritt demographics 

What is the total population of Merritt?

Merritt has a total population of 752 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 -18.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Merritt?

The gender ratio in Merritt is as follows:
  • 42.4% males (319 residents)
  • 57.6% females (433 residents)

What is the median age in Merritt?

The median age in Merritt is 56.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merritt?

The age distribution in Merritt is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.4% (71 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5% (38 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (171 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (190 residents)
  • Over 65: 37.5% (282 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merritt?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merritt is as follows:
  • White: 86.8% (653 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.2% (99 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Merritt.

How many housing units are there in Merritt?

There are 592 housing units in Merritt, reflecting a -5.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Merritt has a total of 376 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the job market overview for Merritt?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.3% (225 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.7% (27 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (30 residents)
  • Private companies: 42.5% (107 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 39.7% (100 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6% (15 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