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Merkem, Belgium

Flanders · 🇧🇪 Belgium

Merkem is a small town in Flanders, Belgium with a population of 2,236. Elevation: 20 ft (6 m). Average temperature: 53°F (12°C).

3.8 /5.0
B+ Good
2,236 Population
20 ft Elevation 6 meters
53°F Avg Temperature 12°C
40.2 in Annual Rain
Europe / Brussels Timezone
B+
Overall
3.8 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Education
3.8 / 5.0
35.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 35.0%
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 20.0%
38% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.1%
99% lower than US avg

People

Population2,236
Median Age41.6 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$55,291
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty0.1%

Health

Obesity20.0%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking22.3%
Depression14.3%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI18 (Good)
Rain40.2 in/yr
Sunny Days222/yr
Elevation20 ft (6 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+35.0%
High School+99.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband94.6%
Population2,236
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Coordinates50.9528°, 2.8523°
TimezoneEurope/Brussels
Country🇧🇪 Belgium
State / ProvinceFlanders
Average Temperature53°F (12°C)
January Average42°F (6°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Annual Precipitation40.2 inches (1,020 mm)
Annual Snowfall6.0 inches (15 cm)
Median Age41.6 years

Is Merkem a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Merkem receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Merkem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 35.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Merkem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 222 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches, including 6.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 18.

Merkem has a population of 2,236. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,236
Total Population
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.3%
Female 50.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Merkem vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Merkem vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Merkem is N/A. Per capita income is $55,291 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 77, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Merkem vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$55,291

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.9%
64% above US avg
Poverty Rate0.1%
99% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living77.00 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Merkem, 20.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 4.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 30.0% have high blood pressure. 22.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 8.7% report binge drinking. 83.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.3% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Merkem vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity20.0%
38% below US avg
Diabetes4.6%
High Blood Pressure30.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking22.3%
59% above US avg
Binge Drinking8.7%
Physical Inactivity83.5%
Depression14.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate86.0%

Food & Exercise

Merkem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 222 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. The area receives 6.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 18 — among the cleanest air in the country. 92% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

42°F Jan (6°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average53.3°F
1% below US avg
January Average42°F (6°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days222 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall40.2 inches
6% above US avg
Snowfall6.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median18.0
RatingGood
Good Days %91.5%

Geography

Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Coordinates50.9528°N, 2.8523°W
TimezoneEurope/Brussels

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 42°F (6°C) 2.3 in
February 39°F (4°C) 1.7 in Coldest, Driest
March 43°F (6°C) 2.2 in
April 47°F (8°C) 1.9 in
May 54°F (12°C) 2.2 in
June 59°F (15°C) 2.6 in
July 65°F (18°C) 2.5 in Warmest
August 63°F (17°C) 2.1 in
September 58°F (15°C) 2.8 in
October 52°F (11°C) 2.9 in
November 44°F (7°C) 3.1 in Wettest
December 40°F (5°C) 2.7 in

Merkem has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F — from 39°F in February to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.9 inches, with November being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (1.7").

35.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 4% above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 94.6% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+35.0%
4% above US avg
High School+99.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.6%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Merkem

What is the population of Merkem?

Merkem has a population of 2,236 residents and is located in Belgium.. The median age of residents is 41.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.

Is Merkem expensive to live in?

Merkem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 77 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Merkem?

Merkem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 222 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches, with 6.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 18.

How is the job market in Merkem?

The unemployment rate in Merkem is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Merkem?

35.0% of adults in Merkem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Merkem?

The obesity rate in Merkem is 20.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 22.3% of adults are smokers. 83.5% are physically inactive. 14.3% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Reninge, VLG 1,064 pop · 2.8 mi Woumen, VLG 1,284 pop · 3.4 mi Klerken, VLG 1,962 pop · 3.9 mi Boezinge, VLG 2,061 pop · 3.9 mi Langemark, VLG 5,079 pop · 4.0 mi Woesten, VLG 1,303 pop · 4.6 mi Houthulst, VLG 8,951 pop · 4.6 mi Lo, VLG 1,179 pop · 4.9 mi Elverdinge, VLG 1,751 pop · 4.9 mi Oostvleteren, VLG 1,237 pop · 5.0 mi Poelkapelle, VLG 2,184 pop · 5.2 mi Diksmuide, VLG 15,515 pop · 5.5 mi Esen, VLG 3,152 pop · 5.7 mi Westvleteren, VLG 1,150 pop · 6.1 mi
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