Merlin, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,617
19.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,806/yr
8.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
629
5.7% year-over-year change

Merlin population

How many people live in Merlin

Merlin is home to 1,617 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59.4% of Merlin locals are male, and 40.6% are female.

Total population
1,617
19.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59.4%
960
Female
40.6%
657
Value Percent YoY change
Male 960 59.4% 44.4%
Female 657 40.6% -4.8%
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 Merlin is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 7% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.9% of the population, while another 33% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
52.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
7%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
18.9%
45 to 64
33%
Over 65
31.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 113 7% 11.9%
15 to 24 152 9.4% 56.7%
25 to 44 306 18.9% 12.1%
45 to 64 533 33% 9.2%
Over 65 513 31.7% 29.6%
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 Merlin, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 13.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,555 96.2% 20.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 62 3.8% -6.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.5%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 1,364 84.4%
Asian 26 1.6%
Two or more races 219 13.5%
Other 8 0.5%

Households in Merlin

A peek inside Merlin households

Merlin has 629 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68% are families, while the remaining 32% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
629
5.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
201
Family households
428
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 201 32% 0.0%
Family households 428 68% 8.6%
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 Merlin

The housing landscape of Merlin

Merlin's housing consists of 629 units, with 88.4% 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 11.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
629
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 556 88.4%
Mobile home 73 11.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merlin

In Merlin, the median construction year is 1989. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1960 and 1969 28 4.4% 300.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 112 17.8% 41.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 187 29.7% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 215 34.2% 3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 87 13.8% -2.2%
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.

Merlin occupancy rates

Out of the 629 occupied housing units in Merlin, 96% are owner-occupied, while 4% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
629
5.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
25
Owner occupied
604
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 25 4% -32.4%
Owner occupied 604 96% 8.2%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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.

Merlin housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,252/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 Merlin

Merlin education at a glance

About 53% of the population in Merlin went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 11.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 16 1.1% N/A
High school diploma 779 53% 39.9%
College diploma 305 20.7% -4.7%
Associate degree 142 9.6% 914.3%
Bachelor's degree 165 11.2% -10.3%
Graduate degree 64 4.4% -36.0%
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 Merlin

How much people earn in Merlin

The average annual household income in Merlin was $98,037 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,806, reflecting a +8.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Merlin
$98,037/year
13.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Merlin
$71,806/year
8.2% year-over-year change

Merlin income by age

In Merlin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $127,548. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $116,429 overall. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $127,548 3.8%
45 - 64 $116,429 13.3%
Over 65 $41,136 11.5%
Above poverty level
1,474
Below poverty level
143
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,474 91.2% 18.9%
Below poverty level 143 8.8% 24.4%

Employment in Merlin

Workforce and job types in Merlin

The job market in Merlin is powered by 742 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.1% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 6.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
742
10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
498
Blue collar
244
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 498 67.1% -2.0%
Blue collar 244 32.9% 50.6%
Employer type
Self employees
25.1%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
6.7%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 186 25.1% 11.4%
Private companies 506 68.2% 13.2%
Governmental workers 50 6.7% -10.7%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
71.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Merlin stands at 1.6%, 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 Merlin

How people get around in Merlin

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 580 79.9% -5.5%
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 Merlin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97532 2,578 996 $81,167 $97,103

Explore more communities

FAQs about Merlin demographics 

What is the total population of Merlin?

Merlin has a total population of 1,617 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 +19.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Merlin?

The gender ratio in Merlin is as follows:
  • 59.4% males (960 residents)
  • 40.6% females (657 residents)

What is the median age in Merlin?

The median age in Merlin is 52.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merlin?

The age distribution in Merlin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7% (113 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (152 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.9% (306 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33% (533 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.7% (513 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merlin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merlin is as follows:
  • White: 84.4% (1,364 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (26 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.5% (219 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Merlin.

How many housing units are there in Merlin?

There are 629 housing units in Merlin, reflecting a +5.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Merlin has a total of 629 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Merlin?

Merlin has a median household income of $71,806, representing a +8.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.4% in Merlin, with a workforce of 742 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.1% (498 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.9% (244 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.1% (186 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (506 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.7% (50 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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