Merkel, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,699
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,500/yr
17.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,139
5.1% year-over-year change

Merkel population

How many people live in Merkel

Merkel is home to 2,699 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Merkel locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
2,699
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
1,242
Female
54%
1,457
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,242 46% 6.9%
Female 1,457 54% -0.8%
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 Merkel is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.3% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.6% of the population, while another 19.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.3%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
27.6%
45 to 64
19.6%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 657 24.3% 4.5%
15 to 24 303 11.2% 13.9%
25 to 44 746 27.6% 1.9%
45 to 64 530 19.6% -2.8%
Over 65 463 17.2% 1.1%
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 Merkel, 95.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 76.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,583 95.7% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 116 4.3% -4.1%
Racial breakdown
White
76.7%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.5%
Other
9.6%
Value Percent
White 2,071 76.7%
Black or African American 51 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.2%
Asian 2 0.1%
Two or more races 310 11.5%
Other 260 9.6%

Households in Merkel

A peek inside Merkel households

Merkel has 918 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.7% are families, while the remaining 31.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
918
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
287
Family households
631
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 287 31.3% 9.1%
Family households 631 68.7% -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 Merkel

The housing landscape of Merkel

Merkel's housing consists of 1,139 units, with 78.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 11.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,139
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 891 78.2%
1 unit, attached 6 0.5%
2 units 65 5.7%
3 or 4 units 27 2.4%
5 to 9 units 10 0.9%
10 to 19 units 5 0.4%
Mobile home 135 11.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merkel

In Merkel, the median construction year is 1961. About 20.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.7% 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 236 20.7% 7.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 133 11.7% -16.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 188 16.5% 59.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 142 12.5% -2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 137 12% -6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 152 13.4% 15.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 47 4.1% -11.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 83 7.3% 1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 21 1.8% -25.0%
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.

Merkel occupancy rates

Out of the 918 occupied housing units in Merkel, 73% are owner-occupied, while 27% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
918
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
248
Owner occupied
670
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 248 27% 19.8%
Owner occupied 670 73% -5.2%
Unoccupied housing units
19.4%
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.

Merkel housing costs

Housing costs in Merkel come to a median of $866 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,058.

Median housing costs per month
$866/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 Merkel
$1,058/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 Merkel

Merkel education at a glance

About 53.7% of the population in Merkel went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 34 1.8% 3.0%
High school diploma 1,019 53.7% 2.1%
College diploma 427 22.5% 5.7%
Associate degree 203 10.7% 8.0%
Bachelor's degree 133 7% -9.5%
Graduate degree 82 4.3% 7.9%
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 Merkel

How much people earn in Merkel

The average annual household income in Merkel was $79,550 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,500, reflecting a +17.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Merkel
$79,550/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Merkel
$73,500/year
17.9% year-over-year change

Merkel income by age

In Merkel, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,393. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,438 overall. Overall, 89.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,393 14.4%
45 - 64 $86,438 4.1%
Over 65 $35,956 13.5%
Above poverty level
2,324
Below poverty level
285
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,324 89.1% 6.6%
Below poverty level 285 10.9% -20.2%

Average renter income in Merkel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Merkel, their median household income was $41,354 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,354
Rent-to-income ratio
30.7%
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 Merkel

Workforce and job types in Merkel

The job market in Merkel is powered by 1,231 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, 9.5% run their own businesses, 64.6% are employed by private companies, and 19.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,231
4.9% year-over-year change
White collar
991
Blue collar
240
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 991 80.5% 5.0%
Blue collar 240 19.5% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
64.6%
Governmental workers
19.4%
Not for profit companies
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 117 9.5% 19.4%
Private companies 795 64.6% 3.0%
Governmental workers 239 19.4% 20.1%
Not for profit companies 80 6.5% -23.8%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
26.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Merkel stands at 2.3%, 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 Merkel

How people get around in Merkel

Commuting methods vary: 90.7% 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 1,116 90.7% 6.3%
Ferryboat 5 0.4% 0.0%
Motorcycle 12 1% -7.7%
Walk 27 2.2% 17.4%
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 Merkel by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
79536 5,047 1,695 $71,131 $110,336

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FAQs about Merkel demographics 

What is the total population of Merkel?

Merkel has a total population of 2,699 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 +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Merkel?

The gender ratio in Merkel is as follows:
  • 46% males (1,242 residents)
  • 54% females (1,457 residents)

What is the median age in Merkel?

The median age in Merkel is 35.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merkel?

The age distribution in Merkel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.3% (657 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (303 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.6% (746 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.6% (530 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (463 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merkel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merkel is as follows:
  • White: 76.7% (2,071 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (51 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.5% (310 residents)
  • Other: 9.6% (260 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.7% of the population in Merkel.

How many housing units are there in Merkel?

There are 1,139 housing units in Merkel, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Merkel has a total of 918 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Merkel?

Merkel has a median household income of $73,500, representing a +17.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.7% in Merkel, with a workforce of 1,231 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.5% (991 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.5% (240 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (117 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.6% (795 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.4% (239 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.5% (80 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